Lawyers Syndicate headquarters. Photo : Al-Ahram
“After presenting the matter for discussion in a way that serves the public interest of the legal profession, the nation, and citizens, we decided to postpone the strike to a later date to be determined based on future developments and consultations with the newly appointed presidents of the Courts of Appeal in an effort to resolve the fees issue,” a syndicate statement said Saturday evening.
The dispute over fees dates back to March, when the presidents of the Courts of Appeal raised the charges for computerized services, sparking backlash from lawyers nationwide.
Lawyers said the added costs were unjustified and risk limiting access to justice.
The postponed strike, which would have included boycotting court sessions and treasury offices, was part of a broader nationwide campaign against the increase in litigation fees, particularly those associated with the newly introduced digitization services.
The syndicate stated that the postponement decision came “in light of the reformation of the Supreme Judicial Council and the appointment of new presidents of the Courts of Appeal involved in the contested decisions."
It emerged from the syndicate's recognition of "several concerned parties' genuine willingness to resume dialogue to overcome this crisis in a manner that serves the interests of the nation and its citizens.”
The new presidents of the Courts of Appeal assumed their responsibilities at the beginning of July.
In response to the fee increase in March, the syndicate organized a series of nationwide protests.
On 14 April, lawyers staged coordinated 30-minute demonstrations outside courthouses.
This was followed by a two-day strike on 18 May, during which lawyers boycotted criminal court sessions nationwide.
On 29 May, a further protest took place at first-instance courts in all governorates.
Lawyers argue the fee hikes place a financial burden on litigants and undermine their constitutional right to legal recourse.
Despite postponing the strike, the syndicate said further steps remain on the table depending on how talks with judicial authorities progress.
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