Moroccan Lawyers Protest Against New Legislation
In a significant display of dissent, lawyers across Morocco have launched an open-ended strike against a proposed new law they deem excessively restrictive on their profession. This protest, which has escalated into what many are calling a "legislative genocide," follows the cancellation of a meeting that was scheduled for July 10, 2026, by the Moroccan Bar Association. This decision to strike reflects deep-rooted frustrations within the legal community regarding government overreach and a perceived erosion of their rights.
Mohamed Nouini, the president of the Moroccan Human Rights Space, articulated the lawyers' sentiments during a recent rally outside the Parliament in Rabat, stating, "We have a clear demand: to put an end to this legislative genocide and the legislative violence inflicted by the government majority, which has unfortunately lost the trust of the people." The lawyers are calling for the development of a legal framework that genuinely serves the interests of citizens, instead of the current proposal, which they argue represents a dangerous regression in terms of rights and freedoms, in direct violation of international agreements, including the Havana Principles that govern the practice of law.
The ongoing negotiations between the protesting lawyers and the Ministry of Justice have reached a complete stalemate, with many lawyers rejecting amendments to the controversial bill concerning the organization of their profession. They view these amendments as a breach of commitments made by the government and a "rejection of previous agreements" established during discussions held earlier this year. This impasse has intensified the situation, leading to a sit-in at the Parliament, where numerous current and former bar officials, as well as social activists, have gathered, donning red armbands to signify the seriousness of their plight and to condemn what they refer to as regressive legislative actions.
The protest movement began on June 15 with a week-long strike and has since transformed into an indefinite strike as the Moroccan Bar Association—comprising 17 professional bodies—decided to escalate their actions. They are firmly opposed to amendments that they believe threaten the independence of the legal profession and the rights of defense. The impact of this strike is palpable, as court operations are severely hindered, leading to delays in case processing and preventing citizens from filing complaints. This disruption not only infringes on the rights of litigants but also increases pressure on the government to respond.
The confrontation between the lawyers and the Moroccan Minister of Justice highlights an unprecedented climate of tension. Lawyers accuse the government of failing to uphold commitments made during earlier negotiations. As expressed by Nouini, "Our struggle, unfortunately, seems to be heading towards a deadlock." The situation remains dynamic as lawyers continue to advocate for their rights and the protection of the legal profession in Morocco.
As reported by al24news.dz.
