Lawyers' Association Protests New Regulatory Framework
On July 6, the Moroccan House of Representatives adopted the controversial Bill 66.23 concerning the organization of the legal profession, with a vote of 85 in favor and 35 against. Despite this legislative progress, the bill has not garnered unanimous support among legal professionals. The Moroccan Bar Association has announced the continuation of their strike, which includes halting legal assistance services and implementing various forms of protest. Furthermore, the Association has called for an extraordinary council meeting scheduled for September 5 to address this pressing issue.
This announcement comes shortly after the Constitutional Court published its opinion in the official bulletin, stating that it could not rule on the proposed draft of the bill due to an administrative oversight. The court highlighted the lack of a complete official text of the documentation submitted by the House of Representatives, raising concerns about procedural transparency and adherence to established protocols.
The Moroccan Bar Association has expressed its discontent regarding the ambiguous procedural aspects surrounding the examination of this regulatory framework and its institutional trajectory. Beyond questioning the constitutional compliance of the text, the Association emphasizes a critical examination of the methodology used in its development, citing a perceived failure by the government to uphold its commitments, which they argue has reduced the process to mere political maneuvering and coercion.
Moreover, the Association has voiced concerns over certain provisions within the bill that they believe threaten the independence and immunity of lawyers, as well as a blatant interference in the self-regulation of the profession. They stress that their resistance is not merely a defense of individual interests or a desire to maintain privileges; rather, it represents a principled stand for the integrity of the justice system itself.
Consumer Rights Federation Raises Alarm
In addition to the legal community's concerns, the Moroccan Consumer Rights Federation has also reacted to the developments surrounding the bill. Following the Constitutional Court's ruling, the Federation reached out to the Minister of Justice to address the implications for citizens seeking legal representation.
In an open letter reviewed by Yabiladi, the Federation highlighted the challenges faced by many individuals, particularly those in custody, who are unable to access legal defense, especially in criminal cases. They pointed out that numerous other groups are similarly affected, unable to defend themselves during critical legal proceedings.
The Federation asserts that the current state of affairs must be rectified, condemning it as a means to "instrumentalize" citizens for professional interests. They expressed their concerns about a situation that contradicts legal provisions, practices, and ethical standards, both nationally and internationally.
Additionally, the Federation raised alarms regarding the potential consequences for the minimal rights of individuals, arguing that while defending professional interests is legitimate, protecting the rights of consumers, particularly vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, is a fundamental right that is being systematically obstructed.
Among their recommendations, the Federation urged Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi to facilitate access to legal assistance, allow individuals to represent themselves, or to be represented by a lawyer in accordance with constitutional guarantees of a fair trial. They particularly advocate for the appointment of public defenders to ensure that legal services are provided as mandated by law.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
