Moroccan lawyers resume court work after four-month strike

Moroccan lawyers resumed their professional activities in courts across the kingdom on Wednesday, October 7, ending a strike that lasted more than four months. This period marked one of the longest professional protests by the legal community in Morocco.

The strike was initiated by the Association of Bar Associations in Morocco to protest a controversial new law regulating the legal profession. Legal bodies argued that certain provisions in the proposed legislation infringe upon the independence, immunity, and self-management of the profession. The protest included boycotting court sessions and suspending legal aid services.

The decision to return to work follows recent legislative elections held on September 23 and the conclusion of the previous government's term. The Association stated that resuming work does not signify a withdrawal of their professional demands or an acceptance of the disputed law. Instead, they view the new political and institutional context as an opportunity to re-present their case to the new government and institutions.