In a move reflecting ongoing tensions over the law governing the legal profession, the Moroccan Bar Association has decided to continue its strike, with a temporary suspension set to begin on October 7, 2026. This decision was made during an ordinary meeting of the association's office in Rabat, which focused on evaluating the current situation and analyzing developments related to the law on the legal profession.
The Moroccan Bar Association expressed its appreciation for the resilience shown by lawyers across the country, who have been on a comprehensive strike for over four months. The strike involves a complete halt of professional services, which has imposed significant psychological and financial burdens on the lawyers. The association emphasized that the continuation of the strike is a stance against what it perceives as the government's backtracking on its commitments and undermining the status of the legal profession.
The association's office highlighted that the strike is a protest against the government's actions, which they believe compromise the independence and immunity of the legal profession. They stressed their determination to continue the struggle until the contentious provisions are repealed. The decision to temporarily suspend the strike on October 7 is seen as an opportunity for the new constitutional institutions to address the issues.
The date of October 7 was chosen for its constitutional significance, being two days before the opening of the new legislative session by King Mohammed VI. This timing also follows elections that will lead to the formation of a new government. The association called for the new government to take responsibility for addressing the concerns of the legal profession.
The Moroccan Bar Association emphasized that the temporary suspension of the strike does not imply abandoning their demands or accepting the contested provisions of the law. Instead, it aims to give the new constitutional institutions a chance to correct the shortcomings in the legislative process of the law governing the legal profession.
During the suspension period, lawyers will prepare and mobilize for potential future actions to defend the profession and its constitutional status as a fundamental pillar of justice and the rule of law. The association urged the new government to handle the file in a way that preserves the independence, immunity, and self-management of the legal profession.
The decision reflects the ongoing challenges and tensions between the Moroccan government and the legal profession over the law governing lawyers. The outcome of this situation will likely have significant implications for the independence of the legal profession and the broader justice system in Morocco.
Key points
- Moroccan lawyers to temporarily suspend their strike on October 7, 2026
- The strike is against the government's actions perceived as undermining the legal profession's independence
- The legal profession seeks preservation of its independence, immunity, and self-management
