Moroccan Consumer Rights Association warns of lawyer strike impact

The Moroccan Consumer Rights Association has issued an open letter to the Minister of Justice warning of the severe consequences resulting from lawyers' refusal to provide professional services. This strike is a protest against draft Law No. 66.23, which aims to regulate the legal profession.

The Association expressed deep concern that the ongoing work stoppage threatens the rights of many citizens, particularly detainees in criminal cases and individuals whose legal interests depend on timely defense. They argued that the right to defense is an inherent right for every person and that using consumers as tools for professional pressure contradicts legal and ethical standards.

To mitigate the impact, the Association called on the Minister of Justice to allow consumers to defend themselves or appoint their own representatives. They also requested that the Ministry contact bar association presidents to urge lawyers providing legal aid to continue their services in accordance with the law. Furthermore, the Association requested to be included in dialogues alongside professional bodies to find legislative solutions that protect the interests of litigants.