Moroccan lawyers have refused to end a strike over a dispute with the government regarding judicial reform. Lawyers’ associations said they will continue withholding professional services in courts until their demands are met. The strike, organized by Morocco’s lawyers’ associations, has been under way since June 15 and is affecting litigants seeking legal assistance in court.

The lawyers argue that the government’s proposed reform law would undermine their independence and professional autonomy. The reforms, initiated by Justice Minister Abdellatif Wahbi, envisage major changes to lawyers’ training, financial management and the internal administration of professional organizations. After a lengthy meeting on Thursday, the associations said they would continue their campaign demanding repeal of the law.

Lawyers said repealing the legislation was necessary to protect the independence of the legal profession, the right to defense and autonomy in running their organizations. They had previously held intermittent strikes and nationwide protests in February. Tensions eased after the government decided to form a joint commission to review the proposal, but rose again after a parliamentary committee approved it in mid-May. The law was ultimately passed by parliament, while the continuing strike is disrupting court users.