Morocco releases dissident journalist Ali Lmrabet

RABAT, July 15 (Reuters) - ‌A Moroccan ​prosecutor ​said on Wednesday he had ordered the release of veteran journalist ‌and political commentator Ali Lmrabet after questioning ⁠him, although an investigation continues following allegations of defamation ‌and libel.

Lmrabet, 66, ‌who holds French nationality and lives in Spain, was arrested on Sunday on arrival ​at Tangier airport. He is a political commentator on social media and has ⁠been an outspoken critic of Morocco's political system for decades.

"The appropriate ​legal consequences will be determined once the investigation is completed," the prosecutor's ​office in Casablanca said ‌in a statement.

In an earlier statement, the prosecutor's office said Lmrabet's arrest ⁠was on the basis of several notices issued against him over online content suspected of ⁠constituting criminal offences under Moroccan law, including alleged defamation ​and libel targeting individuals and institutions.

In 2003, Lmrabet was jailed after being convicted on charges that included ‌offending King Mohammed VI. In 2005, a Moroccan court banned him from ‌practising journalism in Morocco for 10 years.

Since ⁠then, Lmrabet has ‌remained active as ​a political commentator on social media.

(Reporting by Ahmed Eljechtimi; Editing by Alexandra ‌Hudson)

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