Moroccan lawyers protest new legal framework in front of parliament

Dressed in black robes and red armbands, lawyers have been staging an unlimited strike for days, gathering once again outside Rabat’s Parliament. Their determination remains unshaken as they voice fierce opposition to the draft law regulating their profession, which they describe as a ‘setback for democracy.’

The legal community insists the proposed legislation undermines their independence, particularly through clauses that would subordinate them to the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Ministry of Justice. Concerns also extend to the transfer of training oversight to the Ministry of Justice and new provisions lowering the age requirement for qualification exams, which they argue could weaken professional standards.

During a prior demonstration last week, leaders of the movement declared that ‘the fight has only just begun,’ warning of escalating action if the bill is not withdrawn. The Moroccan Bar Association has reiterated its stance, with Rabat’s Bâtonnier Aziz Rouibah stating, ‘Our very existence is under threat.’ He accused unnamed actors of seeking to ‘symbolically dismantle the legal profession,’ vowing to resist what he termed a ‘brutal legislative assault.’

Me Mounir Belghiti, a member of Rabat’s Bar Council, framed the protest as a ‘final appeal’ to lawmakers. He urged legislators to craft laws that prioritize ‘the nation’s future and general interest’ over ‘personal grievances.’ For him, the crisis reflects a collapse of trust: ‘If we allow ad-hoc laws to erode consensus, we dismantle democracy’s foundation.’

The draft law is currently under review by the Chamber of Advisors. Should amendments pass this week, the bill will return to the Justice Commission of the Chamber of Representatives for another reading. Meanwhile, courts nationwide are paralyzed, leaving detainees in preventive custody stranded as hearings are postponed for nearly a month.

The Moroccan Bar Association (ABAM) unites the country’s legal orders, representing the unified voice of attorneys across the Kingdom.