[WATCH] Tajani leads Caruana Galizia memorial in European Parliament

A minute's silence was held in the European Parliament this afternoon as MEPs paid tribute to slain journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Present in the plenary session held in Starsbourg were also Caruana Galizia's sons and husband.

In a short message, EP president Antonio Tajani described the journalist as "a courageous woman" who sparred no effort to investigate and discover the truth and facts "without fear or favour”.

Tajani said that throughout her 30-year career, Caruana Galizia never lost her spirit of commitment. "She stood upright and was only answerable to her readers," he said.

He said it was thanks to the free and independent press that society could stand up in defence of democracy, rule of law and freedom of expression.

The EP president called for an international investigation into the murder. "I hope the Maltese authorities will spare no effort to get to the bottom of this crime and I hope they leave no stone unturned. I reiterate my call for an international investigation where all police forces can make an appropriate contribution to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.”

The EP also decided to name the Strasbourg press room after Caruana Galizia in remembrance of her journalistic work.

Tajani promised that the parliament would not turn away until the truth was revealed. "We will not remain silent until the perpetrators are brought to justice," he said.

At 3pm the European Parliament will dedicate a session to discuss press freedom in Malta in the wake of Caruana Galizia's murder. MaltaToday will be covering the speech live.