A Moroccan state TV channel has apologised after showing a makeup tutorial which instructed women on how to cover up bruises from domestic abuse.

The segment, which featured on a programme called 'Sabahiyat' on Channel 2M, was shown on November 23 just days before the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and caused immediate outrage.

It showed make-up artist Lilia Mouline and a model with a fake bruise around her eye, and demonstrated for viewers how to conceal the violence with foundation and loose powder.

A petition calling for action against the channel was created online and addressed to the country's High Authority for Audiovisual Communication.

It denounced the segment and added: "We demand severe sanctions against the show".

The petition, which currently has over 2,000 signatures, ends by saying: "Do not cover up domestic violence with makeup, condemn the aggressor!."