RTÜK Chairman reacts sharply to Leman magazine

Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) Chairman Ebubekir Şahin made sharp statements regarding the cartoon published in Leman magazine. Şahin expressed that such content harms not only Islam but also freedom of belief and social peace.

In a statement made via social media, Şahin said, "The cartoon featured in Leman magazine is a systematic hate attack against Islam and the sacred values of millions of people. We find it unacceptable to insult religion and sacred values under the guise of freedom of expression." Stating that as RTÜK, they are fighting against anti-Islam sentiment at both national and international levels, Şahin emphasized that the International Symposium on Combating Islamophobia to be held in Bosnia and Herzegovina is part of this struggle.

FIGHT AGAINST ISLAMOPHOBIA

Stating that RTÜK is not just an institution that monitors broadcasting, but also a public authority that protects ethical boundaries against hate speech in the media, Şahin said they are in cooperation with the CENTERCIF-Islamophobia Struggle Application and Research Center established within Ankara Science University. Expressing that content related to anti-Islam sentiment is recorded and analyzed through this center, Şahin said, "Today, every attack made on the name of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on these lands leaves deep marks in the memory of our nation. We are responsible for protecting this memory."

BACKGROUND OF THE INCIDENT

Following the publication of the cartoon in Leman magazine, some groups attacked the magazine's building on Istiklal Avenue. Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç had announced that an investigation had been launched into Leman magazine over the cartoon on the grounds of "publicly insulting religious values."