4 arrested in Türkiye for publishing cartoon of Prophet Muhammad, insulting religious values

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL (AA) - Four people were arrested Wednesday in Türkiye as part of an ongoing investigation into the publication of controversial caricatures depicting Prophet Mohammad and Prophet Moses in Leman magazine.

​​​​​​​The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office promptly launched the inquiry following the satirical magazine’s recent release of the caricatures, which were considered deeply offensive to religious values.

The cartoon, featured in the June 26 edition of satirical magazine Leman, alluded to the recent Israel-Iran conflict and portrayed the Prophet Muhammad and the Prophet Moses shaking hands over a city reduced to rubble.

Those detained include Zafer Aknar, editor-in-chief of Leman magazine; graphic designer Cebrail Okcu; cartoonist Dogan Pehlevan; and institution director Ali Yavuz. They have been referred to the court on charges of “publicly insulting religious values” and “inciting hatred and hostility among the public.”

The prosecution also filed charges against Pehlevan for “insulting the president” alongside “inciting hatred,” while Aknar, Okcu, and Yavuz face similar allegations related to spreading hostility and humiliation.

Islamic tradition strictly forbids visual representations of the prophets, including Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Moses, who is also revered in Judaism and Christianity. The publication of the cartoons provoked widespread concern across the country.

In response, protesters gathered outside the Leman magazine office in Istanbul, reflecting the strong societal demand for protecting religious respect and unity.