Turkey launches probe into magazine over Prophet Muhammad cartoon

Turkish prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into the satirical magazine Leman over the publication of a cartoon depicting the Prophet Muhammad, state broadcaster TRT reported on Monday.

The cartoon’s author has been detained, and authorities have issued arrest warrants for four editorial staff members, according to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunç said the investigation was opened under Article 216 of the Turkish Penal Code, which addresses incitement of hatred and public insult of religious values.

“No freedom allows such vile mockery of the sacred,” Tunç said on social media, adding that depictions of the Prophet harm not only religious beliefs but also social peace. The cartoon, published on June 26, also included depictions of the Prophet Moses.

Senior Turkish officials condemned the publication.