Investigation launched into Leman magazine for insulting religious values

In its June 26 issue, Leman magazine published a cartoon that led to interpretations depicting the Prophet Muhammad in the skies over a bombed city.

This situation caused widespread repercussions and reactions on social media.

Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç stated in a statement made via social media that the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched a judicial investigation into the magazine in accordance with Article 216 of the Turkish Penal Code.

Access to Leman magazine's social media accounts has been blocked. A decision was made to collect that issue of the magazine.

Within the scope of the investigation launched ex officio by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, detention warrants were issued for 4 people, including the cartoonist, 2 editors-in-chief, and the responsible managing editor.

Minister Tunç emphasized that such actions harm social peace, stating, "Disrespect towards our beliefs can never be accepted."

Tunç's statement included the words, "No freedom grants the right to make the sacred values of a belief a subject of humor in an ugly way." He also stated that necessary legal steps would be taken rapidly against such attempts at provocation.

News Source: 12punto