New development in LeMan investigation: Detention warrant issued for editor-in-chief

Within the scope of the investigation launched into the humor magazine LeMan over allegations that Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Moses were depicted in a cartoon published on June 26, the magazine's editor-in-chief Zafer Aknar, graphic designer Cebrail Okçu, the cartoonist Doğan Pehlevan, and the business manager Ali Yavuz were arrested on June 30.

FLASH DEVELOPMENT IN THE INVESTIGATION

Most recently, a detention warrant was issued for the fugitive editor-in-chief Aslan Özdemir after it was determined that he would be arriving at Istanbul Airport today.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Following a lynching campaign launched on social media over allegations that Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Moses were depicted, and the subsequent investigation into LeMan magazine, a reactionary group attacked the magazine's building on June 30.

Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç announced that an investigation had been launched due to the cartoon. While the cartoonist, graphic designer, editor-in-chief, and business manager were taken into custody, a decision was made to recall the relevant issue.

Those who claimed that the cartoon depicted Prophet Muhammad targeted LeMan. Following the spread of the cartoon on social media and the rise in reactions, a reactionary group gathered at the call of the Büyük Doğu Akıncılar Association, which has ties to IBDA-C, and attacked the magazine's building.

The reactionary group that arrived in front of the magazine chanted slogans such as "Ya Allah, bismillah, Allahu akbar," "Down with secularism, long live Sharia," "Infidel LeMan will be held accountable," and "Kemalist dogs will be held accountable."

Four people were taken into custody as part of the investigation launched against the magazine on charges of "publicly insulting religious values." They were subsequently arrested.