Four people detained in the investigation into the cartoon published in Leman Magazine were arrested. Doğan Pehlevan, the owner of the cartoon, graphic designer Cebrail Okcu, editor-in-chief Zafer Aknar and managing editor Ali Yavuz were among those arrested on charges of “insulting religious values” and “inciting hatred and hostility among the public”.
The prosecutor’s office also charged Pehlevan with “insulting the President”. Upon the request of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Criminal Judicature of Peace issued an arrest warrant on the charge of public incitement to hatred and hostility or insult.
While the investigation was based on the allegation that the cartoon depicted the Prophet Muhammad, the LeMan management explained that the figures in question were not prophets, but a reference to people who lost their lives in war. However, the court arrested the suspects and sent them to prison.
July 2, 2025
Sputnik Turkey