Turkish president denounces prophet caricature, calls for legal action

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has condemned the recent publication of a cartoon depicting Islamic prophets in the satirical magazine Leman, branding it a deliberate provocation and incitement.

Speaking at a meeting with representatives of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Ankara, Erdoğan described the cartoon as "a disgusting provocation and incitement under the guise of humour," Caliber.Az reports per Turkish media.

The controversial cartoon, which caricatured the Prophet Mohammed and Prophet Moses amid the ongoing Israeli-Iranian conflict, has sparked widespread outrage across Türkiye. Erdoğan emphasized that the authorities acted swiftly, with police and judicial bodies launching immediate investigations. He stated, "Our police and judiciary immediately took action against this hate crime, the magazine was confiscated, and necessary investigative processes have been initiated."

Further underlining his stance, Erdoğan warned that those responsible for insulting the Prophet and other revered figures would face legal consequences, pledging continued vigilance: "Those who insult our prophet and other prophets will be held accountable before the law. We will keep an eye on this."

Earlier reports indicated that the Istanbul prosecutor’s office had initiated an inquiry on June 30 into Leman magazine over the contentious cartoon. The investigation has led to the issuance of detention warrants for four magazine employees, including the cartoon’s author.

By Vafa Guliyeva