Moroccan Lawyers Persist with Indefinite Strike Following Constitutional Court Decision

The Moroccan National Bar Association has announced its decision to continue the indefinite strike initiated in June 2026, following the Constitutional Court's recent ruling that it was unable to assess the constitutionality of a proposed law concerning the legal profession. This strike, which has garnered significant participation from lawyers across the country, is severely disrupting judicial activities, impacting both litigants and individuals in preventive detention.

The announcement was made during a meeting held in Rabat on August 18, 2026, where the Association expressed its commitment to maintain the protest, which encompasses all services, including legal assistance provided to underprivileged litigants. Furthermore, the Association has scheduled an extraordinary council session for September 5 at its headquarters in Rabat to discuss ongoing actions.

Lawyers in Morocco have attributed shared blame to the Parliament for failing to accompany the transfer of the proposed law to the Constitutional Court with a certified copy, which has contributed to delays in examining the constitutionality of the text. The law, introduced by Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi, is met with resistance from the legal community, who view it as a threat to the independence of their profession.

This indefinite strike has led to a paralysis of court operations, creating dire consequences for individuals, particularly those awaiting trial who face continuous postponements of their cases. This disruption poses serious challenges to the functioning of the justice system and affects many citizens waiting for judicial decisions.

Founded in 1962, the Moroccan National Bar Association is the body that unites all regional bar associations in the country. It advocates for the rights of the legal profession, safeguards judicial independence, and coordinates actions among the 17 regional bars in Morocco.

By continuing its indefinite strike, the Moroccan National Bar Association signals an ongoing confrontation with the Ministry of Justice regarding the controversial draft law. However, this prolonged mobilization also raises concerns about justice's potential paralysis, with the most affected parties being the citizens seeking legal recourse.

As reported by fr.le360.ma.