Police services of Oujda arrested, Friday in the north-eastern city of Saïdya, seventeen people, including foreigners, for holding an unauthorized public meeting aiming at spreading evangelism among the locals.

The police intervention, which is in accordance with the regulations in force, came following information on dubious actions related to evangelistic proselytizing that undermines the Kingdom's religious values, a statement of the Interior Ministry said.

Two south African missionaries and a Guatemalan man were nabbed during this operation, the statement said, adding that, part of the same case, another Swiss was arrested in Oujda along with two Moroccans.

Proselytizing materials, including books and CDs, were found while searching the premises, the statement added.

The arrested foreigners will be expulsed after closing the probe, in conformity with the law related to the entry and stay of foreigners in Morocco.