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Turkey Detains Leman Magazine Staff Over Alleged Blasphemous Cartoon

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya justified the detentions under Article 216 with warrants issued for additional magazine executives.

Proteste gegen das Satiremagazin Leman in Istanbul: Islamische Demonstranten stoßen mit türkischen Bereitschaftspolizisten zusammen. Die Polizei setzte Gummigeschosse und Tränengas ein, um eine wütende Menschenmenge aufzulösen, nachdem die Satirezeitschrift eine Karikatur des Propheten Mohammed veröffentlicht haben soll.
Demonstranten beten in der Nähe der Redaktionsräume
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Overview

  • Istanbul police seized Leman’s Istiklal Avenue offices and arrested four key staff members, including the cartoonist, editor-in-chief and a graphic artist.
  • The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation into the June 26 issue for “openly disparaging religious values” under Article 216.
  • Hundreds of demonstrators attacked a bar frequented by Leman employees, resulting in clashes with police involving around 250 to 300 participants.
  • Leman’s editor-in-chief Tuncay Akgün and the magazine’s team denied that the image depicted Prophet Mohammed, calling the interpretation a deliberate provocation.
  • The operation has intensified public debate over press freedom and highlighted growing state pressure on independent media in Turkey.