From Valletta to Buckingham Palace: How Epstein Protest Echoes Malta’s Fight for Justice
**Protesters Beam Epstein Video at UK Castle Before Trump Visit: A Maltese Lens on Global Power and Accountability**
As protesters projected images of Jeffrey Epstein onto the walls of Buckingham Palace ahead of Donald Trump’s visit to the UK, the spectacle resonated far beyond British shores—reaching the sun-drenched limestone balconies of Valletta and prompting Maltese citizens to reflect on their own experiences with elite impunity and the fight for justice.
The dramatic projection, which occurred just hours before the former US president’s arrival, featured footage related to Epstein’s sex trafficking case alongside messages demanding transparency about powerful figures’ connections to the disgraced financier. For many Maltese observers, the scene felt eerily familiar—a reminder of how protest art and digital activism have become essential tools for holding the powerful accountable.
“Here in Malta, we’ve learned that traditional avenues for justice don’t always work when the accused are well-connected,” says Maria Camilleri, a local activist who organised vigils following journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination. “Whether it’s projecting truth onto palace walls or demanding answers about our own government’s scandals, we’re all fighting the same battle against unaccountable power.”
The timing of the London protest carries particular weight in Malta, where the memory of Caruana Galizia’s investigations into political corruption and her subsequent murder in 2017 remains fresh. Her revelations about Panama Papers connections and offshore accounts belonging to Maltese politicians drew international attention to the island’s struggles with transparency—making the Epstein projection feel like part of a broader global movement demanding accountability from elites.
Local artist and activist Mark Zahra sees parallels between the projection tactics and Malta’s own protest movements. “When protesters beam uncomfortable truths onto symbols of power, they’re using the same language we employed during our own justice marches,” he explains. “Whether it’s Castille Palace in Valletta or Buckingham Palace in London, these buildings represent systems that often protect the privileged while silencing victims.”
The cultural significance of such protests extends beyond mere spectacle. In Malta, where Catholic traditions run deep and respect for authority has historically been paramount, the willingness to publicly challenge power represents a significant shift in national consciousness. The younger generation, in particular, has embraced more confrontational tactics, organising flash mobs, projection mapping events, and social media campaigns that would have been unthinkable just decades ago.
“Maltese youth are increasingly global in their outlook,” observes Dr. Isabelle Borg, a sociologist at the University of Malta. “They see connections between Epstein’s victims, Caruana Galizia’s assassination, and their own struggles for environmental protection and good governance. These aren’t isolated incidents—they’re part of a worldwide pattern where the powerful escape consequences.”
The community impact of such global protests reaches Malta’s shores through social media and international news, inspiring local activists to adopt similar strategies. Recent environmental protests at Malta’s parliament building borrowed techniques from international movements, while justice campaigners have begun exploring projection mapping as a tool for keeping Caruana Galizia’s memory alive.
As Trump’s visit to the UK unfolds amid such controversy, Maltese observers watch with knowing eyes. They’ve seen how international pressure can eventually force local change—the European Union’s scrutiny following Caruana Galizia’s murder led to significant reforms in Malta’s judicial system and press freedom protections.
The Epstein projection serves as both inspiration and reminder: inspiration that creative protest can capture global attention, and reminder that the fight for justice transcends borders. For Malta, a small island nation that has punched above its weight in exposing corruption and demanding accountability, the message projected onto Buckingham Palace feels like a beacon of solidarity in an ongoing global struggle.
As the Mediterranean sun sets over Valletta’s historic skyline, the conversation in Maltese cafés and social media feeds reflects a growing understanding: whether in London or Malta, the powerful may build high walls, but determined citizens will always find ways to project truth into the darkness.
