Turkish Satirical Magazine Cartoon Sparks Accusations of Islamophobic Hate Crime
A cartoon in a Turkish magazine has been labeled as an 'Islamophobic hate crime,' sparking condemnation and protests. Four cartoonists were detained following the depiction of Prophets Mohammad and Moses amidst a wartime backdrop. The magazine maintains no intent to offend, amid calls for protection of freedom of expression.
A Turkish satirical magazine has come under fire after publishing a cartoon depicting Prophets Mohammad and Moses, which was labeled as an 'Islamophobic hate crime' by President Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party. The incident has amplified official condemnation and led to the detention of four cartoonists.
The controversial cartoon emerged after a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, showing Mohammad and Moses shaking hands in the sky over a wartime scene. Despite an apology from the Leman magazine for misunderstanding, religious conservatives criticized the depiction.
Protests erupted in Istanbul, with over 200 people defying a protest ban. Critics argue that this act is a direct assault on Islamic beliefs, with Erdogan's AK Party calling it a hate crime. The incident highlights ongoing tensions around freedom of expression in Turkey, which ranks low in press freedom.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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