Morocco's Association of Bar Associations (ABAM) announced on July 20, 2026, the extension of its nationwide strike, halting all legal defense activities indefinitely. The decision follows a meeting at ABAM's headquarters in Rabat, where member associations voted to continue the work stoppage until their demands are met.
The lawyers are protesting the government's proposed Bill 66.23, which they argue threatens judicial independence and the legal profession's autonomy. ABAM has called for royal arbitration, urging King Mohammed VI to intervene and ensure the bill respects constitutional guarantees.
According to ABAM's statement, the strike will persist until a royal decision is issued. The association has rejected previous government proposals, demanding a complete overhaul of the bill. The strike has disrupted court proceedings across the country, with many cases postponed indefinitely.
Legal experts note that this is one of the most prolonged strikes in Morocco's legal history, highlighting deep tensions between the judiciary and the executive. The government has yet to comment on the royal arbitration request.
