Turkish authorities have arrested journalists and cartoonists from the satirical magazine Leman following the publication of a controversial cartoon depicting the Prophet Muhammad. Meanwhile, an angry crowd gathered outside the magazine’s offices, throwing stones and chanting slogans against the publication. According to reports released late on Monday, the creator of the cartoon, along with the editorial director and chief editor were detained, while arrest warrants are still pending for three other individuals. The magazine denies that the cartoon was intended to depict the Prophet Muhammad.
The issue, published on June 26, features a caricature showing Muhammad and Moses exchanging greetings above a Middle Eastern city under bombardment. Despite being released earlier in the month, the controversy gained traction on social media only on June 30, sparking outrage across the country. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Leman’s office in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district, where they prayed, chanted slogans, and some attacked the premises.
In response, Turkish authorities not only arrested six staff members but also ordered the withdrawal of the issue and initiated procedures to block online access to the controversial cartoon.
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced that a prosecutor’s investigation had been launched against the magazine on charges of ‘insulting religious values.’ He emphasized that no freedom justifies satirizing the sacred elements of a religion. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya condemned the cartoon, stating that such actions insult religious values and threaten social peace.
However, Leman magazine has denied publishing a depiction of the Prophet Muhammad. In a statement, it noted that Muhammad is one of the most common names globally, used by millions of Muslims. The cartoonist reportedly intended to highlight the plight of oppressed Muslim populations, referencing a Muslim man killed by Israel, and claimed there was no intention to disrespect religious beliefs. The magazine has consistently covered the Palestinian issue through special editions and numerous covers.