4 detention and seizure orders in the investigation into Leman magazine

Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç announced that a judicial investigation has been launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the publication of a cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad in a humor magazine.

Minister Tunç, in his statement on his social media account, stated that disrespect towards beliefs can never be accepted and noted the following:

"A judicial investigation has been launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office for the crime of 'openly insulting religious values' under Article 216 of the Turkish Penal Code regarding the caricature of the Prophet Muhammad drawn by a humor magazine. No freedom recognizes the right to make a joke about the sacred values ​​of a belief in an ugly way. Caricaturing the Prophet Muhammad or trying to represent him visually in any way harms not only our religious values ​​but also social peace. The necessary legal steps will be taken without delay against this provocation attempt that disregards the beliefs of millions of Muslims."

4 detention orders issued in investigation into magazine that published caricature of Prophet Muhammad

An arrest warrant was issued for four suspects in an investigation launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the publication of a cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad in a humor magazine.

An investigation is ongoing, launched ex officio by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office for the crime of "publicly insulting religious values" regarding the publication of a cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad in a humor magazine.

As part of the investigation, a detention order was issued for the person who drew the cartoon, the magazine's two editors-in-chief, and the responsible editor-in-chief.

Man who drew a cartoon of Prophet Muhammad detained

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that D.P., who drew a caricature of Prophet Muhammad, was detained.

Minister Yerlikaya, in a post on his social media account, said, "I once again condemn those who try to sow discord by drawing a caricature of our Prophet. The person named DP who made this vile drawing has been caught and detained. I repeat once again, these shameless people will be held accountable before the law."

Decision to confiscate the relevant issue of the magazine

Following the investigation launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, a decision was made to confiscate the relevant issue of the magazine.

It was learned that within the scope of the investigation, a decision was made to confiscate the relevant issue of the magazine and that necessary work was initiated to block access to social media accounts.

The magazine's graphic designer, editor-in-chief and institution manager were detained

Minister Yerlikaya shared the following on his social media account: "The graphic designer of Hadsiz magazine, CO, was also caught and detained. This vile act against our beloved Prophet (PBUH) will receive the punishment it deserves before the law."

Yerlikaya stated that the editor-in-chief ZA was also detained and said, "You will not be able to escape from our security forces or justice. The editor-in-chief of the magazine, ZA, who had the impudence to draw our Prophet (PBUH), was also caught and detained."

Minister Yerlikaya made a statement on his social media account and said, "The person named AY, the Institution Manager of the magazine who had the impudence of drawing the Prophet Muhammad, was also caught and detained by our security forces."

Number of detainees in the investigation rises to 4

As part of the investigation, the institution manager, Ali Yavuz, for whom there was a detention warrant, was also detained by police teams.

During the investigation, the magazine's editor-in-chief Zafer Aknar, graphic designer Cebrail Okçu, and the owner of the cartoon Doğan Pehlivan were detained, while it was determined that the concessionaire and editor-in-chief Tuncay Akgün and editor-in-chief Aslan Özdemir were abroad.

Reactions from ministers

Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş said, "Those who carried out this vile provocation should know well that this great nation will never tolerate the insulting of its Prophet under the guise of freedom of expression."

Göktaş noted the following in his post on his social media account:

"The disgrace in which the so-called magazine Leman plays the leading role can neither be called humor nor freedom of expression. The audacity to portray our great leader, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Prophet Moses, who were sent as a mercy to the worlds, has exceeded the limits and has reached the point of attacking the sacred values ​​that the nation considers more precious than its own life. Attacking the sacred values ​​of billions of people is considered skill, while marketing disgrace as art is considered courage. Those who made this vile provocation should know very well that this precious nation will never tolerate insulting its Prophet under the guise of freedom of expression. The representatives of this rotten mentality will give account of their rudeness and impudence both before conscience and the law."

Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan said, "I condemn the vile provocation made by the rag that claims to be a cartoon magazine."

Minister Işıkhan, in his post on his social media account, noted the following:

"We will never tolerate any disrespect towards the Sultan of the Worlds, our Prophet Moses, or our beliefs. I condemn the vile provocation made by the rag that claims to be a cartoon magazine."

Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum said, "I strongly condemn those who disrespect our Prophet Muhammad, Prophet Moses, our sacred values, and our faith under the name of cartoons."

Minister Kurum reacted to the magazine that published a caricature of Prophet Muhammad in a post he shared on his social media account, and noted the following:

"I strongly condemn those who disrespect our Prophet Muhammad, our Prophet Moses, our sacred values, and our faith under the name of cartoons. The impudent attitude of the magazine Leman can never be humor. Cartoons that aim to provoke are absolutely incompatible with freedom of the press, this is only a reflection of their antiquated mentality."

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya condemned the publication of a cartoon drawing of Prophet Muhammad.

Yerlikaya made the following statement on his social media account:

"I strongly condemn the shameless caricature of our Prophet. What is being done is not freedom of the press. What is being done is not freedom of expression. Such attempts that belittle our religious values ​​and open deep wounds in the conscience of Muslims are for provocation purposes and those who dare to do so will be held accountable before the law. I condemn this mentality that insults our Prophet by making a caricature of him."

Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin reacted to the magazine that published the cartoon in a post on his social media account, and noted the following:

"I condemn the disrespectful depiction of our great Prophet Muhammad and Hazrat Musa, who were sent as a mercy to the worlds, in a so-called cartoon magazine under the guise of caricature. These heinous depictions, which aim to provoke, can never be reconciled with freedom of the press and cannot be defended. Those who attack the sacred values ​​of our nation and the Islamic world will be held accountable before the law and will find the response they deserve in the eyes of our nation."

Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat said, "I strongly condemn this shameless publication that insults our Prophet (PBUH) under the guise of a so-called humor magazine."

Bolat, in his post on his social media account, noted the following:

"I strongly condemn this shameless publication that insults our Prophet (PBUH) under the guise of a so-called humor magazine. Press freedom cannot be a shield against attacks on our sacred values. Let no one doubt that the necessary account will be sought before the law. Our nation will maintain its common sense against these systematic provocations, and the Republic of Turkey will resolutely block any immorality targeting our values."

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu made the following statement in his post on his social media account:

"I strongly condemn the disrespect published in a magazine towards our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was sent as a mercy to the worlds and a guide to humanity, and our Prophet Moses, whom we accept as our prophet. This is neither freedom of the press nor humor. This is provocation and rudeness, impudence and crime against Muslims who are in love with their Prophet, who is the best example for humanity. The Republic of Turkey, as a state governed by the rule of law, will do what is necessary regarding these rags and individuals. We will never remain silent against such despicable actions."

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı, in his post on his social media account, noted the following:

"We know very well this inadequate magazine trash that insults our masters Hz. Muhammad (PBUH) and Hz. Moses and the mentality it represents. No belief, no sacred thing can be targeted under the name of humor or art. What is being done is insulting the belief and sacred things of the nation and openly attacking our values. I condemn it!"

Minister of Health Kemal Memişoğlu, in a statement he made on his social media account, reacted to the magazine that published a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad.

Memişoğlu noted the following in his statement:

"I condemn in the strongest terms the impudent and vile attack on our Prophet and Hz. Musa, who were sent as a mercy to the worlds. This shamelessness, which targets our sacred values ​​under the guise of freedom of expression, can neither be humor nor an expression of opinion. Our struggle with this sick mentality will continue until eternity."

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, in a statement he made on his social media account, reacted to the magazine that published a caricature of Prophet Muhammad.

Ersoy noted the following in his statement:

"I condemn in the strongest terms the vile attack of a so-called cartoon magazine against our Prophet and Hz. Musa. This cannot be called freedom of expression or humor. It is impossible to call an act of hatred against people's faith humor. Türkiye is a state of law and the judiciary will give the strongest response to this immorality under the umbrella of the law."

Director of Communications Altun: This sick mentality will definitely be held accountable before the law

Presidency Communications Director Fahrettin Altun condemned the publication of a cartoon of Prophet Muhammad, saying, "The Republic of Turkey will not give an opportunity to these fools who immorally attack the high values ​​of our nation."

Altun, in his statement on his social media account, noted the following:

"We strongly condemn the disrespectful cartoons of the Master of the Worlds, Hz. Prophet (pbuh), in an immoral publication run by a group of impertinent people claiming to be a cartoon and humor magazine. This insult and disrespect towards our Master, the sole guide of Muslims, cannot be masked by freedom of the press. This sick mentality will definitely be held accountable before the law. We must act with common sense, without giving room to provocations against these systematic incitement. The Republic of Turkey will not give an opportunity to these heedless people who immorally attack the high values ​​of our nation."

"It is of great importance that our citizens maintain their peace and do not succumb to provocations"

Altun made a statement on his social media account regarding a humor magazine that published a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad.

"The immoral drawing of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the publication Leman is an unacceptable provocation," said Altun, adding, "All units of our state are taking the necessary action against this ugly attack on our beliefs and values. It is of great importance for our citizens to maintain their peace and not be provoked."

Altun stated that upon the statement of Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched a judicial investigation for the crime of "publicly insulting religious values" in accordance with Article 216 of the Turkish Penal Code.

Altun noted the following in his statement:

"As a result of the rapid operation of the Istanbul Police Department units coordinated by our Ministry of Interior, the individuals named ZA and CO, along with DP, who made this shameless drawing, were also detained as part of the investigation. There is also a detention order for some magazine executives. The building belonging to the magazine is currently completely under the control of our security forces and is empty. Our state is working to bring all those responsible for the incident to justice. The issue is being pursued with determination. Thanks to the measures taken by our security forces, unwanted incidents that may occur around the magazine are being prevented. Let us not forget that the target in such incidents is to harm our social unity and brotherhood. We strongly request our citizens to maintain their calm and not to be provoked."

AK Party Spokesperson Çelik: We condemn the disrespect shown to our Prophet

AK Party Deputy Chairman and Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik said, "We condemn the disrespect shown to our Prophet by a humor magazine. This ugliness has nothing to do with art or freedom of thought."

Çelik reacted to the publication of the cartoon drawing in a statement he made on his social media account, and noted the following:

"We condemn the disrespect shown to our Prophet by a humor magazine. This ugliness has nothing to do with art or freedom of thought. Disrespecting our sacred values ​​is a hate crime and a cursed act. We will fight these cursed actions in the same way we fight the disrespect shown to our sacred values ​​by fascists in Europe."

Governor of Istanbul Gül: We will not remain silent to any infamy that reaches our nation's faith

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, in his statement on his social media account, noted the following:

"The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched a judicial investigation under Article 216 of the Turkish Penal Code due to an ugly cartoon drawing of our Prophet, and a detention order has been issued for 4 people. The rule of law is doing what is necessary against this mentality that is trying to provoke society by attacking our sacred values. We will not remain silent to any despicable act that extends to our nation's faith."

Warning to citizens from Istanbul Governor Gül

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül warned citizens not to engage in behavior that could lead to legal problems on the streets or in digital media.

Governor Gül, in his statement on his social media account, stated that every disrespect towards the Prophet Muhammad creates a deep wound in everyone's heart, and noted the following:

"These ugly attacks are not ideas or humor, but conscious and systematic provocations that directly target our beliefs. Our state is carrying out legal processes with determination. We do not want our fellow citizens to fall for this dirty game and behave in ways that will lead to legal problems on the streets or in digital media. Being wrong in an issue where we are right is exactly what the provocateurs want. Please maintain your common sense, act with dignity. Do not stray from the legal ground while defending our beliefs."

Governor Gül calls on those protesting the magazine to disperse

Governor Gül made the following statement in his post on his social media account:

"Three of the four individuals for whom there was a detention warrant were caught by our security forces. It was determined that some individuals who were among the demonstrators were engaging in provocative actions. It is important that the groups demonstrating are dispersed in order to prevent our citizens from being harmed and to maintain public order. No one has the right or freedom to commit a crime, regardless of the reason."

Istanbul Provincial Police Chief Yıldız: 4 suspects were detained in accordance with the instructions of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office

Istanbul Provincial Police Chief Selami Yıldız, in his statement on his social media account, noted the following:

"I strongly condemn the impudence of caricaturing our Prophet. Four suspects have been detained in relation to this vile act in accordance with the instructions of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. This disrespect towards our Prophet will receive the harshest response it deserves before the law."

President of Religious Affairs Erbaş: Those responsible should be given the punishment they deserve

President of Religious Affairs Ali Erbaş reacted to the magazine that published the cartoon drawing in a post he made on his social media account, and noted the following:

"I strongly condemn and curse the Leman Magazine, which committed a hate crime by disrespecting our Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (pbuh) and Hazrat Musa (pbuh), who were sent as a mercy to the worlds, through cartoons. An account must be brought to justice for this vile disrespect as soon as possible within the framework of the law, and those responsible must be given the punishment they deserve. This attitude of the so-called cartoon magazine, which has included drawings that offend Muslims and mock our sacred values ​​in its past publications, cannot be justified in any way by freedom of press and expression."

AK Party Istanbul Provincial Chairman Abdullah Özdemir: Creating an agenda by attacking the beliefs and sanctities of this nation is neither freedom of art nor freedom of the press

Özdemir stated that he strongly condemned the so-called cartoon drawing and said, "This is a deliberate and openly vile attack against our Prophet Muhammad Mustafa and Hazrat Musa. Setting the agenda by attacking the beliefs and sanctities of this nation is neither art nor freedom of the press."

Özdemir stated that the aim of such attacks is to create chaos and tension in society, and noted:

"Therefore, I call on our citizens to remain calm, use common sense and trust in the legal process. We will not fall for this trick, we will not give an opportunity to those who try to turn the streets into a ground for provocation, and we will never allow our beliefs to be mocked."

Arnavutköy Mayor Mustafa Candaroğlu emphasized that the provocation made under the pretext of the so-called cartoon cannot be explained by either art or freedom of expression, and said, "This is a conscious attack directly on our beliefs and social peace. It is not the first scandal of Leman magazine, and it will obviously not be the last. Our state has done and is doing what is necessary. Those who attack our sacred values ​​will always find us against them."

"This nation carries the love of the Prophet in its heart"

Başakşehir Mayor Yasin Kartoğlu stated that he condemned the so-called humor that included insults in the harshest way and shared, "This low-level attack on our faith, values ​​and sacred values ​​is not freedom of expression, but open hatred and hostility. I hope that this vileness, which has long been condemned in the conscience of our society, will also be met with the harshest response in the eyes of justice."

Bağcılar Mayor Yasin Yıldız made the following assessment: "Even if we wrote at length about the cartoon published by a humor magazine that insulted our Prophet Muhammad, the mercy of the worlds, I do not think that 'that' mentality would understand. There is no need to prolong the story, our line against this action that we condemn is clear."

Esenler Mayor Mehmet Tevfik Göksu stated that he condemned the ugly publication of the group that identified itself as a humor magazine and signed the cartoon, and said, "I can never accept this vile attack on our sacred values ​​under the pretext of freedom of expression. I wholeheartedly believe that this dirty mentality will never find a response in the eyes of our dear nation."

Gaziosmanpaşa Deputy Mayor Eray Karadeniz noted the following in his post:

"I condemn in the strongest terms this vile attack on our Prophet Muhammad and Hazrat Musa under the pretext of a caricature. Such actions are not freedom of expression or the press, but a clear hostility to religion and a deliberate provocation. This irresponsible approach displayed by Leman magazine is completely unacceptable. This nation carries the love of the Prophet in its heart. Those who target this love should know that every hand reaching for the sacred in these lands returns by hitting the conscience of the people."

"Such unjust attempts are clearly hate crimes."

Sultanbeyli Mayor Ali Tombaş also condemned the magazine in his post, saying, "The actions of those who have the impudence to speak ill of our most precious Prophet are not humor, but outright despicable. We have full faith that this hollow mentality, which has been convicted in the court of conscience of our dear nation, will also receive the punishment it deserves in the eyes of the law."

Sultangazi Mayor Abdurrahman Dursun stated that he strongly condemned the magazine and said, "Speaking ill of our nation's beliefs and sacred values ​​can never be considered within the scope of freedom of expression, such impertinent attempts are clearly a hate crime. We have full faith that the relevant authorities will swiftly hold the magazine accountable for this ugly attack."

Ümraniye Mayor İsmet Yıldırım, emphasizing that he strongly condemned the ugly cartoon of Prophet Muhammad, shared the following: "These provocations made under the guise of freedom of expression will not remain unanswered with the common sense of our nation and the power of law. We will stand tall against any language that reaches out to our values ​​and will continue to resolutely defend our faith and sanctities."

Pendik Mayor Ahmet Cin said in his post, "I strongly condemn the impudence towards our Prophet. Making fun of our beliefs cannot be explained with either freedom or humor. Such disrespect towards the values ​​of our nation is never acceptable."

Kağıthane Mayor Mevlüt Öztekin also made the following assessment: "Our beliefs are our values, our sacred values. We strongly condemn the insults and disrespect directed at our Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Moses under the guise of humor. Our state and nation will not allow this vileness and provocation. Religious values ​​cannot be attacked under the name of freedom of expression."

NGOs in Istanbul react to the magazine

The Chairman of the Turkish Youth Foundation (TÜGVA), İbrahim Beşinci, said, "There is a trace of the migration in the heart of this nation, a spirit from Badr, and a discipline from Medina. We are a generation that has engraved His (pbuh) name in our hearts and lives. If a magazine that spews hatred against our values ​​under the name of 'humor' is going to appear in this country, it should either close its doors or return to its real purpose. There is no place in these lands for those who insult our faith, and there are many paths for those who will be held accountable."

The Women and Democracy Association (KADEM) shared the following: "We know very well that Leman Magazine and similar organizations, which target the faith of the society under the guise of 'humor' and consider belittling religious values ​​as a skill, are after provocation! We are also aware of who and how the climate they want to create will serve. However, they will not be able to achieve this with their low-level ironies and caricatures that lack decency. While history is full of many talented charlatans whose names no one remembers, the values ​​they underestimate will always live on!"

The Communication Platform shared, "Freedom of expression and the press cannot be used as a weapon to attack Islam and Islamic values. Freedom does not mean limitlessness, irresponsibility, or pouring everything that comes to mind into the pages. Whatever is necessary must be done urgently to prevent these provocations and attacks from happening again."

In a post by the Turkish Youth and Education Service Foundation (TÜRGEV), it was stated, "We reject the low-quality content in Leman Magazine that targets the religious beliefs of society. No one has the right to insult our sacred values ​​under the pretext of humor. We never accept this understanding that serves to create hatred and tension in society."

On the other hand, a group gathered in front of the magazine's building on İmam Adnan Street in Beyoğlu's İstiklal Avenue and chanted various slogans to protest the publication of a cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad.

While police teams took precautions in the area, the entrances and exits of the street where the magazine is located were closed with barriers.

After the call to night prayer was recited, the group prayed on Istiklal Avenue.

When the group members tried to force the barriers while waiting, the police intervened with pepper spray.

The group continues to wait at the entrance of the street where the magazine building is located.

AA