Algerian lawyers begin protest over new changes in profession

LAWYERS in Algeria embarked on strike yesterday to protest proposed changes in the organisation of the profession which they said would limit their independence and powers in court.

The strike was due to last three days and was called by the National Union of Bar Associations of Algeria.

Barrister Fatima-Zohra Benbraham told Agence France Presse (AFP) that the goal was to suspend all participation by lawyers in court cases.

The lawyers are protesting a draft law that Benbraham said will “limit the rights of lawyers” up against a judge and the public prosecutor in the north African country.

The draft law empowers a judge to prevent a lawyer from making his plea and to send one before a disciplinary council if he considers that the lawyer’s plea is causing a disturbance in court, according to the protestors.

Several cases due to be heard yesterday notably in Algiers were postponed to a later date, while state radio reported that the lawyers’ strike was being followed “100 per cent” in Bejaia, 260 kilometres (160 miles) east of the capital.