Turkey’s Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced that an investigation has begun into a magazine for allegedly insulting religious values. This announcement follows the publication of a cartoon that has sparked outrage among many in Turkey. Tunc stated that the caricature not only offends religious beliefs but also threatens societal harmony.
The magazine, LeMan, published a cartoon showing two characters with wings above a city under siege. One character, saying "Peace be upon you, I’m Muhammed," is met with the response, "Peace be upon you, I’m Musa." The depiction has led to the arrest of four employees from the magazine, and arrest warrants have been issued for senior management as well.
LeMan has expressed regret to readers who felt hurt by the cartoon but defended its artistic intent. The magazine claims the cartoon was meant to highlight the plight of oppressed Muslims, specifically referencing violence against them. They assert there was no intention to depict the Prophet Muhammad and called the backlash a misunderstanding.
LeMan’s editor-in-chief, Tuncay Akgun, who is currently in Paris, emphasized that the magazine would never intentionally offend religious sentiments. He drew parallels between the current situation and the infamous Charlie Hebdo attack in France, where a similar incident led to tragic violence.
This incident in Turkey has raised concerns about freedom of expression and the potential consequences of artistic representation in a country where religious sentiments are deeply held. The unfolding events highlight the delicate balance between artistic freedom and respect for religious beliefs in society.