Morocco's ongoing nationwide boycott of legal services by attorneys has sparked significant internal conflict within the legal community. This decision, spearheaded by the Association of Moroccan Bar Associations, has led to a growing rift among its members, with some lawyers expressing their discontent over the escalation of disruptions impacting court proceedings. As the new law regulating the legal profession comes into effect, calls for a return to normalcy are intensifying, particularly among certain bar associations.
Reports indicate that an increasing number of lawyers, especially those based in Casablanca, are preparing to defy the boycott and resume their duties in court. Sources from Hespress AR suggest that these legal professionals may return to their practice as early as Tuesday, September 1, coinciding with the end of the judicial recess. The Casablanca Bar Association has voiced concerns regarding potential dissent among its members, reminiscent of earlier phases of this ongoing dispute.
Fatima Zahra El Ibrahimi, a prominent lawyer affiliated with the Casablanca Bar Association, has publicly declared her intention to resume her legal responsibilities on September 1. In a statement on her official Facebook page, El Ibrahimi emphasized her commitment to upholding the principles of the law and the Constitution, stating, “I decided to end the work stoppage and return to practicing my professional duties as of September 1, out of respect for institutions, the Constitution, the law, and the oath we all took.” Her perspective aligns with the sentiments of several former leaders within the Casablanca Bar Association, including past presidents Chahbi and Drmiche, as well as other influential council members.
Furthermore, notable figures such as former Justice Minister Mustapha Ramid and lawyer Abdelkebir Tabeih, a previous head of the Justice and Legislation Committee, have also expressed support for the return to work. El Ibrahimi highlighted that during a recent executive office meeting, the Casablanca Bar Association conveyed its opposition to the continuation of the work stoppage. She affirmed that she and other lawyers would be present in the courts of Casablanca, adorned in their professional robes, fully committed to observing the law and the Constitution.
Despite the emergence of these voices advocating for a return to work, the Association of Moroccan Bar Associations has yet to retract its decision to maintain the boycott. Sources inform Hespress that the strike may persist for up to two weeks, after which the association is anticipated to convene again to deliberate its future actions. There are indications that some executive office members are pushing for a resumption of work in the near future, alongside negotiations with the forthcoming government regarding potential amendments to the new law.
This period of contention arises following the enactment of Law No. 66.23, which regulates the legal profession and took effect on August 20 after its publication in Morocco’s Official Gazette. The Association of Moroccan Bar Associations continues to assert its boycott despite the law's implementation, aiming to address its concerns regarding the legislation.
As reported by en.hespress.com.
