An investigation has been launched against the satirical magazine Leman over a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad

An investigation has been launched against the satirical magazine Leman for “public insult to religious values” related to the publication of a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad. The editor-in-chief, the magazine manager, the cartoonist, and the caricature’s author were detained.

After a negative reaction to the caricature on social media, many people gathered in front of the magazine’s building, chanting slogans such as “Long live Sharia,” performing prayers, and shouting Takbir.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced the confiscation of this issue of the magazine and began blocking access to Leman’s social media accounts.

Earlier it was reported that in the June 26 issue of the magazine, two people named Muhammad and Musa were seen greeting each other saying “Salam Alaikum” and “Alaikum Assalam” over a bombed city.

Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç announced that an investigation has been launched against the magazine under Article 216 of the Turkish Penal Code.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya tweeted that the cartoonist, graphic designer, and editor-in-chief who created the drawing were detained.

It was reported that the owner and editor-in-chief, against whom arrest warrants were also issued, are abroad.

Yerlikaya said: “I condemn once again those who try to sow discord by making cartoons about our Prophet.”

The caricature was also condemned by Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş.

He said: “This cannot be called humor or freedom of speech.”