Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi has renewed his criticism of the country's lawyers as a draft law to regulate the legal profession nears presentation to Parliament. The bill is scheduled for discussion following the opening of the spring legislative session.
In recent public statements, Ouahbi accused some lawyers of resisting necessary reforms and attempting to maintain a "state within a state." He defended the proposed law as a modernization effort aimed at organizing the profession and enhancing its role within the justice system.
The draft legislation has been a source of significant tension between the Ministry of Justice and bar associations. Lawyer groups have organized protests and strikes, arguing the proposed changes would undermine their independence and the right to a defense.
Key points of contention reportedly include provisions related to the disciplinary system for lawyers, the structure of bar associations, and the conditions for practicing the profession. The parliamentary debate is expected to be contentious as the government seeks to pass the reform.
