The Moroccan justice system is facing an unprecedented crisis. For several weeks, the Kingdom's courts have been operating at a reduced capacity due to an indefinite strike launched by lawyers. This protest movement targets draft law no. 66.23, a text that regulates the profession and, according to them, threatens their independence from the Ministry of Justice.

A significant impact on those involved in the justice system and those incarcerated

The repercussions on the functioning of the courts are massive and immediate:

1. Hearings postponed en masse: In Casablanca, a large majority of cases have already been postponed until September.
2. Extension of detentions: People in pre-trial detention see their incarceration prolonged, as their cases cannot proceed without legal representation.
3. Double financial burden: Many families travel hundreds of kilometers for hearings that are ultimately postponed, accumulating transport and accommodation costs that are unsustainable for the most modest households.

In light of this situation, the Moroccan Observatory for Consumer Protection is sounding the alarm. Its president points out that citizens are the collateral victims of an institutional conflict that does not concern them, and urgently calls for the opening of a serious dialogue between the government and the bar associations.

A determined mobilization and a political showdown

Despite the social unrest, lawyers have no intention of backing down. The Moroccan Bar Association is maintaining its call for an indefinite strike, resulting in a complete shutdown of professional services and the total suspension of legal aid.

Note: A national sit-in is planned for this Monday, July 6, in Rabat, bringing together bar association presidents and members of the bar councils to increase pressure on the ministry.

At the heart of the discord, bill no. 66.23 crystallizes tensions on several points:

1. Disciplinary supervision: Lawyers denounce direct interference from the Ministry of Justice.
2. The opening of the market: They fear the arrival of foreign colleagues and demand that the latter absolutely master the Arabic language and Moroccan law.
3. The age of entry into the profession: The text is being debated between the two parliamentary chambers. The House of Representatives reinstated the age limit at 45, overturning the increase to 50 voted by the House of Councillors.

This conflict is taking place within a tense political context, just months before the September legislative elections. The Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi, is nearing the end of his term, which casts complete uncertainty on the final adoption of this reform before the government is renewed.

Practical advice for users

The blockage also impacts everyday procedures, such as child support applications which are experiencing significant delays.

To avoid unnecessary travel and expenses, litigants are strongly advised to contact the courts or their law firms by telephone to confirm whether their hearings are still scheduled or postponed. As long as negotiations remain suspended, thousands of cases will remain pending.