Not wanting any celebration, after exhausting himself with repeated reminders in the days leading up to it, the last Friday of March carried a deep sense of meaning for everyone who attended. The occasion honored the extensive professional career of Pepe Llor, the Attorney General of Alicante, and the tribute paid by colleagues and friends was a testament to the respect earned over the years.
Business partners across the province, both active and retired, gathered to pay homage. Javier Molto, who had recently arrived from Madrid, was present alongside two former bosses, Juan Carlos López Coig and Ricard Cabedo, in addition to the already established presence of Jorge Rabasa. Also in attendance were Ramon Siles, the Benalúa coordinator, and a gathering of judges including Luis Soler, Enrique García-Chamón, Julio Úbeda, Javier Guirao, José de la Fuente, Cristina Costa, José María Rives, Luis Segovia, and Antonio Gil. The retired notary, Javier Teijeiro, and a circle of friends who had supported the Attorney General’s office for years shared in the moment. The event also featured the presence of the deputy head of the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
The gathering included many who had known and worked with him long before that day. Benalúa Courthouse hosted the event, with the Prosecutor overseeing matters related to drug enforcement and organized crime, along with responsibilities connected to prison surveillance. In recent years, the office had risen to prominence, boasting a considerable staff of over a hundred prosecutors, making it one of the most active in the country.
The public prosecutor who led the first phase of the case did not want to leave without speaking. The mood blended gratitude and a hint of humor as discussions unfolded. One speaker reflected on the value of the work done by judges and, though acknowledging occasional disagreements, praised the essential role of free journalism as a fundamental pillar for shaping public opinion. There was genuine admiration for those who devote themselves to fulfilling their constitutional duties, and for the prosecutors who pursue justice even when resources are limited.
It was acknowledged that political power often shows insufficient interest in delivering justice with the necessary means. The speaker cited the renewal of the CGPJ as an example, noting that justice can sometimes become the last resort when reform efforts are blocked. It was stressed that, in such times, the system must respond more promptly to protect the integrity of governance and the rule of law.
Attention was drawn to the growing prevalence of out-of-court settlements as a means to resolve disputes, a trend that risks weakening effective judicial protection. The message was clear: the times of justice must align with the times and needs of the citizen. To make this alignment possible, the tools and resources required for a robust judiciary must be provided once and for all; otherwise, the pursuit of justice will always lag behind current realities.
The event also offered reflections on the personal side of the staff. A nod was given to colleagues, including Felipe Briones, who could not attend due to commitments elsewhere, and Miguel Gutierrez, whom one speaker credited with teaching perseverance in defending ideas. The presence of a Supreme Court judge, Nicholas Maurandi, could be felt through his widow, who attended in solidarity. The proceedings concluded with heartfelt thanks to a spouse who had offered steady support and, in a closing moment, a note of personal gratitude for the guidance received throughout the years.