Controversial Cartoon Sparks Outcry and Arrest in Turkey
Turkish authorities detained three cartoonists from Leman magazine for a cartoon depicting Prophets Moses and Muhammad meeting in the sky, seen as promoting religious harmony amid conflict. This led to strong backlash from officials and religious conservatives, resulting in arrests and an apology from the magazine.
On Monday, Turkish authorities detained three cartoonists from the weekly magazine Leman, over a cartoon depicting Prophets Moses and Muhammad shaking hands in the sky, while missiles fly beneath them. The cartoon aimed to represent religious harmony amid earthly conflicts and drew strong backlash from both the government and religious conservatives.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya shared a video on social media platform X, showing the arrest of cartoonist Dogan Pehlevan, who was forcefully taken into custody. Yerlikaya denounced the cartoon as an attempt to sow discord, labeling the image as vile.
The magazine apologized, clarifying that the cartoon's intent was misunderstood. Leman emphasized that the drawing was not meant to mock religious values and called for protecting freedom of expression. Turkey's strict stance on media freedom remains a critical issue, as highlighted by its low global ranking in the Press Freedom Index.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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