01.07.2025 16:33
Following the initiation of an investigation into the Leman magazine for publishing an offensive cartoon of Prophet Muhammad, politicians have been responding one after another. Mansur Yavaş from the CHP stated, "Freedom of expression should not be turned into a tool for hatred or division," while the party's Chairman Özgür Özel said, "When I look at it, I see an angel with wings who has lost their life under bombardment in Gaza."
In the June 26, 2025 issue of the magazine Leman, an investigation was initiated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the publication of a scandalous cartoon targeting our Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
As part of the investigation, a detention order was issued for 6 suspects, including the magazine's publisher and editor-in-chief, the managing editor, the institution director, graphic designers, and the person who drew the cartoon, on charges of "inciting hatred and hostility or humiliation." Four of these individuals were detained. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that D.P, the illustrator, C.O, the graphic designer, Z.A, the managing editor, and A.Y, the institution director, have been detained.
SLOW RESPONSE
While reactions poured in against the scandalous cartoon, Mansur Yavaş, the Mayor of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB), made a statement regarding the cartoon published in Leman magazine. Yavaş stated, "Freedom of expression should not be turned into a tool for hatred or division." He added, "It is the responsibility of every individual in this nation to act within the law, with respect and common sense, under all circumstances."
MANSUR YAVAŞ: WE SHOULD BE UNIFYING, NOT DIVIDING
Mansur Yavaş's statement is as follows:
"Any disrespect towards our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and our values wounds the common conscience of our nation. Freedom of expression should not be turned into a tool for hatred or division. Because the strongest glue for living together and staying united in these lands is mutual respect and common sense. The tone used has broken the hearts of millions of our people. Therefore, we must insist on a language that is unifying, not dividing; embracing, not alienating. It is the responsibility of every individual in this nation to act within the law, with respect and common sense, under all circumstances."
ÖZGÜR ÖZEL: I SEE A WINGED ANGEL
Speaking at an event in Istanbul, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel defended the Leman magazine, which published the scandalous cartoon, in his statement regarding the issue. Özel said, "I see a winged angel who has lost their life under bombardment in Gaza, encountering another murdered angel, and they meet in the sky saying, 'Peace be upon you, I am Muhammad.' There, Muhammad is a Muslim child who was killed in Gaza, named after Hz. Muhammad, and the other child, who is named after another prophet they meet in the sky, is another Gazan. It is a cartoon depicting 'those who bear the names of prophets are dying,' but it's easy! Attack LeMan! I do not allow disrespect towards Hz. Muhammad, but I will not remain silent about the social lynching based on a disrespect that has not occurred. Everyone should know how to stand in the right place!"