Four individuals get arrested in Turkey for Prophet Muhammad cartoon

(MENAFN) Four individuals were detained Wednesday in Türkiye amid an investigation into the publication of provocative cartoons depicting Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Moses in the satirical magazine Leman.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office quickly opened the inquiry following the release of the caricatures, which were widely deemed offensive to religious sentiments.

The controversial cartoon appeared in Leman’s June 26 issue and referenced the recent Israel-Iran conflict, showing the two prophets shaking hands over a city in ruins.

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

Additional charges of “insulting the president” were filed against Pehlevan, while Aknar, Okcu, and Yavuz also face allegations of promoting hostility and humiliation.

Islamic tradition forbids visual depictions of prophets, including Muhammad and Moses, who is also a revered figure in Judaism and Christianity. The cartoons sparked significant outrage across Türkiye.

In reaction, protesters gathered outside Leman’s Istanbul office, underscoring strong public demands to uphold respect for religious beliefs and social unity.

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