Recent events, including, but not limited to the brutal assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, have brought the need for urgent constitutional reform, women activists told the President this morning.

"Our nation is divided, our political context is tarnished with abuse of power and lack of transparency. We believe constitutional reform to be necessary in order to uphold democracy, access to rights and freedoms," Maria Pisani and Andrea Dibben, representatives of #OccupyJustice, told Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca at a meeting at the Palace in Valletta.

Since Thursday night, protesters have camped outside the Prime Minister's office and continued calling for the resignation of the Police Commissioner and the Attorney General in the wake of the journalist's murder.

The activists said it is important to strengthen the three branches of the state and effective separation of powers so each is free to operate without fear or favour.

The women activists have camped outside Castille since Thursday night. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi/Reuters

"This process will be strengthened by providing the space and opportunity to reach out to an informed and critically engaged public, and that this process should be as inclusive and participatory as possible," said Dr Pisani and Dr Dibben.

Dr Coleiro Preca said this is the moment where the country should embark on reforming the constitution.

"No tool left untouched for 50 years remains relevant," she said.

She underlined the need for people to be engaged at all levels and their aspirations need to be reflected in the new constitution.

The President also made a reference to the stream of misogynist invective from government consultant and former General Workers' Union boss Tony Zarb, who in a Facebook post likened the female protesters to prostitutes and suggested they should have set up their camps in Strait Street instead.

"I know the person well but I never expected this. Fine it might have been said in the heat of the moment, but it's never justified to insult others, especially when you are intrinsically attacking fundamental values.

Ms Coleir Preca added: "I'm shocked when I hear certain things. God forbid we dscriminate on the basis of gender. When you resort to hate speech you are directly attacking the respect and dignity of people."

The first protest was held last Sunday in Valletta. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi/ Reuters

Sunday protest speakers announced

A second demonstration held in the wake of Ms Caruana Galizia's murder will take place tomorrow at 4pm, starting at Għar id-Dud/Chalet in Sliema. Protestors will march onwards to Amery Street Sliema, close to where the slain journalist was brought up.

Civil Society Network is insisting on its non-partisan demands for the resignation of Police Commissioner and Attorney General, and for their replacements subject to two-thirds parliamentary majority.

Participants are also invited to bring percussion and whistles, as well as bay leaves which are a symbol of strength and courage.

The demonstration will be addressed by Jacques Rene Zammit, Jurgen Balzan, Andrew Borg Cardona, Claudia Taylor East and Josef Vella.

In the meantime, CSN launched its Qed Nistennew Ġustizzja timer at: http://www.csnmalta.com/