Fez – Lawyers across Morocco have intensified their opposition to a controversial draft law affecting the legal profession, continuing a nationwide boycott of judicial activities and organizing new protests to urge government action.
The Association of Moroccan Bar Associations (ABAM) reaffirmed its stance following an emergency meeting of bar leaders in Casablanca on Friday.
The organization announced that lawyers would maintain their suspension of all court-related activities until the government engages in what it calls a serious dialogue and withdraws the proposed legislation from Parliament.
This dispute arises as the draft law is currently being reviewed by the House of Councillors.
At a press conference, ABAM President Al-Houssine El Ziani stated that lawyers would persist in their resistance if the reform is not halted or retracted.
He emphasized the need for the legal profession to remain independent and condemned any attempts at external interference.
During their meeting, bar association leaders also approved plans for further protest actions.
Details of these actions are set to be revealed on Monday during a national demonstration outside Parliament in Rabat.
Lawyers from Morocco’s 17 bar associations are expected to participate in the protest.
The movement has also attracted support from younger lawyers.
The Federation of Associations of Young Lawyers in Morocco (FAJAM) declared a three-day warning sit-in following a meeting of its federal bureau in Kenitra on Sunday.
The federation accused the authorities of systematically targeting the legal profession and outlined a timeline for further actions.
This decision comes after a coordination meeting last week involving FAJAM representatives, led by President Saâdallah El Tounsi, and senior officials from ABAM, including President Al-Houssine El Ziani and Aziz Roubih, head of the Rabat Bar Association.
Young lawyers plan to join the national demonstration in Rabat on Monday, advocating for the protection of their profession’s rights and achievements.
Following the protest, they intend to initiate a continuous sit-in that will last until midday on Thursday, July 2.
FAJAM has urged ABAM to remain unified in its demands throughout the negotiation process.
The federation stated that its leadership would keep meetings ongoing to monitor developments and adjust their approach as necessary.
This recent escalation signals a growing conflict between Morocco’s legal community and the Ministry of Justice, with no indication of any compromise over the proposed reforms.
