The trade union expresses “deep sorrow” for the death of Álvaro Laborinho Lúcio, who passed away today at the age of 83, extending condolences to the family and friends of the “career magistrate, former Minister of Justice, and a unique figure in Portuguese justice.”
“Laborinho Lúcio was a man of widely recognized professional and human qualities, whose life was distinguished by integrity, wisdom, and dedication to public service,” the union states.
The union adds that Laborinho Lúcio was an exemplary magistrate, leaving “an indelible mark of rigor, humanism, and reforming vision” in all the roles he undertook.
“His career was guided by an unwavering defense of democratic values, accessible justice, and human dignity,” the statement reads.
The union also recalls that the magistrate was the first member of the Portuguese Association for Victim Support (APAV) and participated in the Independent Commission for the Study of Child Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church.
Laborinho Lúcio served as Secretary of State for Judicial Administration and Minister of Justice in 1990 during Cavaco Silva’s government and as Minister of the Republic for the Azores in 2003, under President Jorge Sampaio.
He was also a prosecutor at the Coimbra Court of Appeal, an inspector of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, Deputy Attorney General, director of the Judiciary Police School, and of the Judicial Studies Center.
Álvaro Laborinho Lúcio was born in Nazaré and in his youth was an amateur actor, having participated in the creation of the Nazaré Theater Group.
He was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Christ in 2005 by President Jorge Sampaio.
