Reactions rained down on the scandalous cartoon in Leman Magazine: We condemn disrespect

Minister Tunç stated in a statement on his social media account that disrespect towards beliefs can never be accepted and noted the following: "A judicial investigation has been launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office for the crime of 'openly insulting religious values' pursuant to Article 216 of the Turkish Penal Code regarding the drawing of a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad by a humor magazine . No freedom recognizes the right to make the sacred values ​​of a belief a subject of humor in an ugly way. Caricaturing the Prophet Muhammad or trying to represent him visually in any way harms not only our religious values ​​but also social peace. The necessary legal steps will be taken without delay against this provocation attempt that disregards the beliefs of millions of Muslims."

MINISTER TUNÇ: THERE IS A DETENTION ORDER FOR 6 PEOPLE

Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc , in his statement to CNN Turk regarding the issue, announced that a detention order was issued for 6 people. Minister Tunc announced that it was possible to collect the publication that constituted a crime.

It was stated that the 6 people who were detained were the magazine's franchise owner and editor-in-chief, editor-in-chief, institution manager, graphic designers and the person who drew the cartoon.

DETAINED

Interior Minister Yerlikaya said, "I once again condemn those who try to sow discord by drawing a caricature of our Prophet (PBUH). The person named DP who made this vile drawing has been caught and detained. I repeat once more: These shameless people will be held accountable before the law."

Yerlikaya had used the following expressions in his previous post: I once again condemn those who try to sow discord by drawing a caricature of our Prophet (PBUH). The person named DP who made this vile drawing has been caught and detained.

I repeat once again: These shameless people will be held accountable before the law.

I once again condemn those who are trying to sow discord by drawing a caricature of our Prophet (PBUH). The person named DP who made this vile drawing has been caught and detained. I repeat once again:

These shameless people will be held accountable before the law. pic.twitter.com/7xYe94B65d

— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) June 30, 2025

MAGAZINE'S GRAPHICIST WAS ALSO CAUGHT

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that the graphic designer of a humor magazine was detained regarding the publication of a cartoon of Prophet Muhammad. Minister Yerlikaya shared the following on his social media account: "The graphic designer of Hadsiz magazine, CO, was also caught and detained. This vile act against our beloved Prophet (PBUH) will receive the punishment it deserves under the law."

Hadsiz derginin grafikeri CO adlı şahıs da yakalanarak gözaltına alındı.

Sevgili Peygamberimize (SAV) yönelik gerçekleştirilen bu alçaklık hukuk önünde hak ettiği cezayı görecektir. pic.twitter.com/deWsbRWPFi

—Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) June30, 2025

MAGAZINE'S EDITORIAL DIRECTOR WAS CAUGHT

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that the Editor-in-Chief of a humor magazine was detained in relation to the publication of a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad.

Minister Yerlikaya, in a post he made on his social media account, said, 'You will not be able to escape from our security forces or justice. The Editor-in-Chief of the magazine, ZA, who had the impudence to draw our Prophet (PBUH), was also caught and detained.'

MAGAZINE'S INSTITUTIONAL MANAGER WAS CAUGHT

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that the Director of a humor magazine was detained in relation to the publication of a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad.

Minister Yerlikaya, in a post he shared on his social media account, said, 'The person named AY, the Institution Manager of the magazine who had the impudence of drawing the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was also caught and detained by our security forces.'

COLLECTION DECISION ABOUT THE MAGAZINE

Within the scope of the investigation launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was decided to collect the issue of the magazine in question. It was also stated that the necessary work was initiated to block access to the magazine's social media accounts.

STATEMENT FROM ISTANBUL CHIEF PUBLIC PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE

An arrest warrant was issued for four suspects in an investigation launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the publication of a cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad in a humor magazine.

An investigation launched ex officio by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office for the crime of "publicly insulting religious values" regarding the publication of a cartoon of Prophet Muhammad in a humor magazine is ongoing.

As part of the investigation, a detention order was issued for the person who drew the cartoon, the magazine's two editors-in-chief, and the responsible editor-in-chief.

STATEMENT FROM AK PARTY SPOKESMAN ÇELİK

AKP Spokesperson Ömer Çelik said in a statement, "We condemn the disrespect shown to our Prophet by a humor magazine. This ugliness has nothing to do with art or freedom of thought. Disrespecting our sacred values ​​is a hate crime and a cursed act. We will fight these cursed actions in the same way we fight the disrespect shown to our sacred values ​​by fascists in Europe."

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS HAKAN FIDAN

I condemn in the strongest terms the immoral and provocative attack on our Prophet (pbuh) that was carried out behind a mask of humor.

Those who commit this hate crime against our beliefs, our sacred values ​​and the fundamental values ​​we have maintained for centuries and who target our social peace will definitely be held accountable before justice.

We will continue to fight with determination and without compromise at home and abroad against any mentality that seeks to incite hatred and hostility towards Islam and Muslims.

MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, URBANIZATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE MURAT KURUM

I strongly condemn those who disrespect our Prophet Muhammad, Moses, our sacred values, and our faith under the guise of cartoons.

The impertinent attitude of the magazine Leman can never be humor. Cartoons that aim to provoke are absolutely incompatible with freedom of the press; this is only a reflection of their outdated mentality.

MINISTER OF FAMILY AND SOCIAL SERVICES MAHINUR ÖZDEMİR GÖKTAŞ

The disgrace in which the so-called magazine Leman plays the leading role can neither be called humor nor freedom of expression. The audacity to depict our great leader, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Prophet Moses, who were sent as a mercy to the worlds, has exceeded the limits and has reached the point of attacking the sacred values ​​that the nation considers more precious than its own life. Attacking the sacred values ​​of billions of people is considered skill, while marketing disgrace as art is considered courage. Those who made this vile provocation should know well that this precious nation will never tolerate insulting its Prophet under the guise of freedom of expression. The representatives of this rotten mentality will give account of their rudeness and impudence both before conscience and the law.

MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE ABDULKADİR URALOĞLU

I strongly condemn the disrespect published in a magazine towards our Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), who was sent as a mercy to the worlds and a guide to humanity, and our Prophet Moses (pbuh), whom we also accept as our Prophet.

This is neither freedom of the press nor humor; this is provocation, rudeness, impertinence and crime against Muslims who are in love with their Prophet, the best example for humanity.

The Republic of Türkiye, as a state governed by the rule of law, will do what is necessary regarding these rags and individuals. We will never remain silent against such vile actions.

MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM MEHMET NURİ ERSOY

I condemn in the strongest terms the vile attack on our Prophet and Prophet Moses by a so-called cartoon magazine.

This cannot be called freedom of expression or humor. It is impossible to call an act of hatred towards people's beliefs humor.

Türkiye is a state governed by the rule of law and the judiciary will give the strongest response to this immorality under the umbrella of law.

MINISTER OF HEALTH KEMAL MEMİŞOĞLU

I condemn in the strongest terms the impertinent and vile attack on our Prophet (PBUH) and Prophet Musa, who were sent as a mercy to the worlds.

This shamelessness that targets our sacred values ​​under the guise of freedom of expression can neither be humor nor an expression of opinion.

Our fight against this sick mentality will continue forever.

MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM MEHMET NURİ ERSOY

I condemn in the strongest terms the vile attack of a so-called cartoon magazine against our Prophet and Hz. Musa. This cannot be called freedom of expression or humor. It is impossible to call an act of hatred against people's faith humor. Turkey is a state of law and the judiciary will give the strongest response to this immorality under the umbrella of the law.

REACTION FROM PRESIDENT OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS ERBAŞ

President of Religious Affairs Ali Erbaş reacted to the magazine that published the cartoon in a post he made on his social media account, and noted the following:

"I strongly condemn and curse the Leman Magazine, which committed a hate crime by disrespecting our Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (pbuh) and Hazrat Musa (pbuh), who were sent as a mercy to the worlds, through cartoons. An account must be brought to justice for this vile disrespect as soon as possible within the framework of the law, and those responsible must be given the punishment they deserve. This attitude of the so-called cartoon magazine, which has included drawings that offend Muslims and mock our sacred values ​​in its past publications, cannot be justified in any way by freedom of press and expression."

ISTANBUL GOVERNOR DAVUT GUL

Every disrespect towards our faith and our Prophet (pbuh) opens a deep wound in the hearts of all of us. These ugly attacks are not ideas or humor; they are conscious and systematic provocations that directly target our beliefs.

Our state is carrying out legal processes with determination. We do not want our fellow citizens to fall into this dirty game and behave in ways that will lead to legal problems on the streets or in digital media. Being wrong in a matter where we are right; this is exactly what the provocateurs want.

Please maintain your common sense, act with dignity. Do not stray from the rule of law while defending our faith.

'THIS DISEASED MENTALITY WILL DEFINITELY BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE IN FRONT OF THE LAW'

Presidency's Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun condemned the publication of a cartoon of Prophet Muhammad in a humor magazine, saying, "The Republic of Turkey will not give an opportunity to these fools who immorally attack the high values ​​of our nation."

Altun, in his statement on his social media account, noted the following:

"We strongly condemn the disrespectful cartoons of the Master of the Worlds, Hz. Prophet (pbuh), in an immoral publication run by a group of impertinent people claiming to be a cartoon and humor magazine. This insult and disrespect towards our Master, the sole guide of Muslims, cannot be masked by freedom of the press. This sick mentality will definitely be held accountable before the law. We must act with common sense, without giving room to provocations against these systematic incitement. The Republic of Turkey will not give an opportunity to these heedless people who immorally attack the high values ​​of our nation."

"DO NOT BE PROVOKE"

Presidency Communications Director Fahrettin Altun said, "The immoral drawing of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the publication Leman is an unacceptable provocation. All units of our state are taking the necessary action against this ugly attack on our beliefs and values. It is of great importance for our citizens to maintain their peace and not be provoked."

Altun made a statement on his social media account regarding a humor magazine that published a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad.

"The immoral drawing of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the publication Leman is an unacceptable provocation," said Altun, adding, "All units of our state are taking the necessary action against this ugly attack on our beliefs and values. It is of great importance for our citizens to maintain their peace and not be provoked."

Altun stated that upon the statement of Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched a judicial investigation for the crime of "publicly insulting religious values" in accordance with Article 216 of the Turkish Penal Code.

Altun noted the following in his statement:

"As a result of the rapid operation of the Istanbul Police Department units coordinated by our Ministry of Interior, the individuals named ZA and CO, along with DP, who made this shameless drawing, were also detained as part of the investigation. There is also a detention order for some magazine executives. The building belonging to the magazine is currently completely under the control of our security forces and is empty. Our state is working to bring all those responsible for the incident to justice. The issue is being pursued with determination. Thanks to the measures taken by our security forces, unwanted incidents that may occur around the magazine are being prevented. Let us not forget that the target in such incidents is to harm our social unity and brotherhood. We strongly request our citizens to maintain their calm and not to be provoked."