Clashes Erupt in Istanbul Following Controversy Over Satirical Magazine Cartoon Allegedly of Holy Prophet

Clashes Erupt in Istanbul Following Controversy Over Satirical Magazine Cartoon Allegedly of Holy Prophet
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Violent clashes broke out Monday in Istanbul after the publication of a controversial cartoon in the satirical magazine LeMan, which authorities say insulted religious values, Alarabiya English reported. Police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse a crowd of 250 to 300 protesters who attacked a bar frequented by the magazine’s staff.

The Istanbul chief prosecutor ordered the arrest of LeMan’s editors, launching an investigation into the June 26 issue for allegedly “publicly insulting religious values.” Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the arrest of the cartoonist, the magazine’s graphic designer, and two other staffers. Additional arrest warrants were issued for other executives.

LeMan’s editor-in-chief, Tuncay Akgun, speaking from Paris, denied the cartoon targeted Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him and his pure family). He explained the cartoon depicted a fictional Muslim named Mohammed killed in Israeli bombardments, emphasizing that millions share the name and the image was misinterpreted. The magazine condemned the legal actions as a systematic provocation aimed at silencing opposition satire.

Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc stated that disrespecting religious beliefs is unacceptable and warned that no freedom justifies offensive humor targeting sacred values. Istanbul Governor Davut Gul echoed these sentiments, vowing not to tolerate acts that provoke society by attacking faith.