LeMan Magazine Cartoon Controversy Leads to Arrests and Unrest in Istanbul

Istanbul witnessed clashes as police intervened to quell protests over a LeMan magazine cartoon deemed offensive to the Prophet Muhammad. Four editors from the magazine, including cartoonist Dogan Pehlevan, have been arrested following the prosecutor’s orders. The disputed cartoon features two figures with beards and wings shaking hands, with missiles falling in the background. While some interpreted it as a message of peace, it drew sharp criticism from government leaders and religious groups. LeMan’s editor-in-chief, Tuncay Akgun, claimed the cartoon was misunderstood, stating it did not depict the Prophet but rather a Muslim man. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya condemned the cartoon and the arrests were confirmed. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc emphasized the importance of respecting religious values. LeMan magazine stated that the cartoon’s intent was to portray the suffering of a Muslim man. LeMan has a history of publishing controversial content, including supporting Charlie Hebdo after the 2015 attack.