The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office is releasing an investigation after accusations that it “openly shaming religious values.”
Police in Turkier have detained four people on a cartoon published by the satire magazine Leman. Critics appeared to portray the prophet Moses holding the sky as the Prophet Muhammad and the Prophet Moses fell down in a war-like scene.
The comic, released last week, sparked backlash from government officials and religious groups in Turkier. On Tuesday, the Chief Prosecutor’s Office in Istanbul issued a formal investigation under accusations of “openly shaming religious values.”
Turkish President Recept Tayp Erdogan was attacked by a magazine and described it as “despicable provocation.”
“It’s a clear provocation that disguises humor, a sneaky provocation,” he said. It also condemned it as a “hate crime” and confirmed that authorities have taken over Leman magazine and have taken legal action against it.
Home Minister Ali Yarikaya posted a video to X on Monday showing the arrest of cartoonist Dogan Perevan.
“I strongly condemn the shameless caricatures of our prophets,” Yerlikaya said. “This is not freedom of the press. It is not freedom of expression. These provocative acts disgrace our sacred values and deeply hurt the conscience of Muslims, but are not punished.”
He added that a total of six detention orders have been issued. The two who were abroad have not yet been arrested.
Yerlikaya also said the magazine’s graphic designer and two other senior staff members were detained along with the cartoonist.
Justice Minister Irmaz Tank said the investigation was ongoing under Article 216 of the Turkish Criminal Code and criminalized “inciting hatred and hostility.”
In a statement posted to X, Leman apologised to readers who offended him, but claimed that the comic was misunderstood. The magazine said Pevan aimed to highlight “the suffering of Muslim men killed in Israeli attacks,” and denied attempts to laugh at Islam.
“The name Muhammad is one of the most common in the Muslim world in honor of the Prophet. The cartoons did not portray him, nor was it intended to underestimate religious beliefs,” the magazine accused the critics of deliberately distorting them.
Leman urged authorities to investigate what is described as a targeted smear campaign and sought stronger protections of press freedom.
In the evening, in the evening, a crowd of protesters marching into Leman’s office in Istanbul surfaced online, kicking the building’s doors and chanting slogans.
The incident rekindled Torkier’s debate about the boundaries of free expression and religious sensitivity.
