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2mo ago

Turkey Holds Four Leman Staff Under Blasphemy Probe After Controversial Cartoon

Authorities have recalled the issue, launching a formal Article 216 investigation over claims it insulted religious values

Demonstrators shout slogans during a protest against a caricature published in the Turkish satirical magazine Leman, allegedly depicting the Prophet Mohammed and Moses, in central Istanbul, Turkey, July 1, 2025. REUTERS/Dilara Senkaya TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
People take part in a protest against a caricature published in the Turkish satirical magazine Leman, allegedly depicting the Prophet Mohammed and Moses, in central Istanbul, Turkey, July 1, 2025. REUTERS/Dilara Senkaya
Image
Police officers take position prior to a protest against satirical LeMan magazine after they published a cartoon that allegedly depicted the Prophet Muhammad, in Istanbul, Turkey, Tuesday, July 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

Overview

  • Four employees remain detained under charges of insulting religious values after police arrested a cartoonist, editor-in-chief, graphic designer and manager
  • The contested June 26 issue, featuring two winged figures exchanging greetings above missiles and labeled Muhammad and Moses, was pulled from circulation
  • Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya and Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc condemned the cartoon as a provocation and spearheaded the formal probe under Turkey’s blasphemy law
  • Islamist protesters attacked Leman’s Istanbul office, prompting riot police to disperse crowds with rubber bullets and tear gas
  • Leman insists the cartoon depicted a Muslim man named Muhammad killed in Israeli attacks rather than the Prophet and has apologised to offended readers