Morocco bans Islamist party and detains leader

Moroccan authorities on Wednesday banned the Islamist Al Badil Al Hadari party after detaining its leader on terrorism charges, Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi announced in a statement.

Al Badil Al Hadari, or Alternative Civilisation, is led by Mustapha Moatassim, who was one of 32 people, including several Islamic politicians, reported detained on Monday and Tuesday, by official media.

A security source told AFP several arms were seized during the raids.

Al Badil Al Hadari contested national elections last September but failed to win a seat in the national assembly. (AFP)