Moroccan film star charged with blasphemy

A Moroccan film star has been charged with making "blasphemous" remarks against Islam.

The actor, Rafik Boubker, was arrested on Tuesday evening after a video of him ridiculing Islam's stance on drinking alcohol was shared widely.

In the video he said alcohol helps you to connect with God.

Islam is the state religion in Morocco, and while drinking alcohol is forbidden for Muslims, it is largely tolerated.

The national security force DGSN said it investigated the remarks after numerous complaints.

The actor has since apologised saying, "I was not in a normal state. I just wanted to make a joke".

He is expected back in court on 14 July.

L'acteur marocain Rafik Boubker en garde à vue pour avoir «injurié l’islam» dans une vidéo > https://t.co/IjiDeqlvJq pic.twitter.com/RBVRa9jl0k

— Le Parisien (@le_Parisien) May 27, 2020