Lawyers Argue That Several Provisions Are Unconstitutional and Conflict With International Standards, Including the Havana Declaration

Morocco's bar associations will continue withholding professional services and will convene their council on September 4, Rabat Bar President Aziz Rouibah said Tuesday. The decision followed the Constitutional Court's inability to rule on whether Law 66.23, which reorganizes the legal profession, complies with the Constitution. Lawyers argue that several provisions are unconstitutional and conflict with international standards, including the Havana Declaration.

Rouibah said the ruling exposed shortcomings in the legislative process and that protests would be announced. The association has kept its meetings open while considering its next steps. On August 11, the court said it could not examine the referral because the House of Representatives submitted an incomplete file.