Turkish authorities have detained four individuals linked to a controversial cartoon published by the satirical magazine LeMan, which many claim depicts the Prophets Muhammad and Moses shaking hands in the sky as missiles fall below a portrayal the magazine strongly denies.
The cartoon, released last week, sparked widespread backlash from religious groups, the public, and government officials. On Tuesday, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an official investigation under the charge of “openly insulting religious values.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned the cartoon, calling it “a vile provocation disguised as humor” and labeling it a “hate crime.” He confirmed that legal action had been initiated and that authorities had taken control of the magazine’s operations.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya posted a video showing the arrest of cartoonist Doğan Pehlevan. “This is not press freedom. This is not freedom of expression,” Yerlikaya said. “These provocative acts that insult our sacred values and deeply wound Muslim consciences will not go unpunished.” He confirmed six detention orders, with two suspects still abroad.
Those detained include the cartoonist, LeMan’s graphic designer, and two senior staff members.
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç noted the case falls under Article 216 of the Turkish Penal Code, which addresses “incitement to hatred and enmity.”
In a public statement, LeMan apologized to readers who felt offended but insisted the cartoon was misinterpreted. The magazine explained that the intent was to draw attention to “the suffering of a Muslim man killed in Israeli attacks,” and that no Prophet was depicted. It emphasized that “Muhammad” is a common name in the Muslim world and denied any intention of mocking Islam.
LeMan further accused critics of deliberately distorting the cartoon’s message and called on authorities to investigate what it described as a smear campaign. It also appealed for stronger protections of press freedom.
Later in the day, protestors gathered outside the magazine’s Istanbul office, kicking down doors and chanting slogans, further fueling the national debate over free expression and religious respect in Turkiye.
