Lawyers Protest Against Controversial Legislation
On June 15, 2026, Moroccan courts faced significant disruptions due to a widespread strike by lawyers, a movement initiated to protest against a contentious new law that seeks to regulate the legal profession. The strike, which is expected to last for seven days, saw an overwhelming participation rate, with reports indicating that around 95% of lawyers in Rabat joined the protest. This mass action left the Rabat First Instance Court and the adjacent Court of Appeal nearly deserted, as only a handful of citizens gathered outside, awaiting updates on the situation.
Aziz Rouibah, the president of the Rabat Bar Association, expressed his satisfaction with the turnout, emphasizing that the proposed legislation threatens the independence of the legal profession. The law, known as Bill No. 66.23, has ignited fierce opposition from legal practitioners who argue that it undermines their autonomy and introduces excessive administrative control over their activities. The bill was initially passed in a first reading by the House of Representatives, prompting outrage among legal circles that regard it as a direct assault on their self-regulation capabilities.
Calls for Dialogue Amid Rising Tensions
In response to the escalating tensions, Rouibah criticized the Justice Minister, Abdellatif Ouahbi, for his recent remarks that were perceived as provocative concerning judicial assistance for the underprivileged. He pointed out the irony of a lawyer-turned-minister directly impacting the profession's independence through such statements. Rouibah called for the minister to show wisdom and reason in these discussions, highlighting the need for constructive dialogue to resolve the conflict.
The ongoing strike reflects deeper issues within the Moroccan legal system, as practitioners fear that the proposed disciplinary measures within the legislation could weaken their capacity to defend clients effectively. Observers have noted that the heightened procedural controls could serve as a tool to undermine defense attorneys, thereby jeopardizing the rights of individuals standing trial. To mitigate these tensions, the Prime Minister has recently offered to mediate between the Justice Ministry and the Moroccan Bar Association, hoping to facilitate a resolution that upholds the integrity of the legal profession while addressing governmental concerns.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
