Turkey Protests : Arrests Journalists from Leman Magazine Over Prophet Cartoon

[muslimsforum]

Turkish authorities have detained four key figures associated with Leman, one of Turkey’s most prominent satirical magazines, following the publication of a contentious cartoon in the June 26, 2025 issue.

Who was arrested?
1. Cartoonist – accused of drawing a depiction interpreted as showing Prophet Muhammad.
2. Editor-in-Chief(s) – held responsible for approving and publishing the cartoon.
3. Graphic Designer / Institutional Director – involved in layout and distribution.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, in a statement posted on X, confirmed the arrests and strongly criticized the illustration, stating that those who create divisions by portraying caricatures of the Prophet will face consequences.

About the Cartoon
The black-and-white illustration featured "Muhammad" and "Moses" shaking hands in the sky, with missiles flying below—intended, according to Leman, as commentary on Muslim suffering due to Israeli actions. The magazine clarified they “never intended to insult Islamic values”.