Ankara, July 2, 2025 – The Europe Today: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has strongly condemned a caricature published by satirical magazine Leman that depicted Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Moses in a controversial manner, calling it a “vile provocation” and promising that those responsible will be held legally accountable.
Speaking on Tuesday at a meeting with provincial heads of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, President Erdoğan criticized what he described as a deeply offensive act “committed under the guise of humour.” He affirmed that Türkiye’s security and judicial authorities have immediately taken action, with copies of the publication confiscated and legal proceedings initiated.
“This is a hate crime. We will follow up on this,” Erdoğan declared. “The disrespect shown by certain immoral individuals, who lack the values and decency of this nation, is absolutely inadmissible. As long as we are in power, we will not tolerate any insult to our sacred values.”
The caricature, published in Leman’s June 26 edition, alluded to the recent Israel-Iran conflict and portrayed the two prophets shaking hands over a city in ruins—an image widely regarded in Türkiye as a violation of Islamic principles, which forbid visual depictions of prophets.
In connection with the case, four individuals were taken into custody in Istanbul on Tuesday as part of an investigation launched ex officio by prosecutors under the charge of “publicly insulting religious values.”
Türkiye’s Head of Communications, Fahrettin Altun, also condemned the caricature in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “This insult and disrespect towards our Prophet, the only guide of Muslims, cannot be masked with freedom of the press. This sick mentality will definitely be held accountable before the law.”
Altun urged the public to act with restraint, emphasizing that all state institutions are taking necessary measures. “It is of great importance for our citizens to maintain peace and not be provoked,” he said, noting that security forces have taken precautions around the magazine’s premises to prevent any unrest.
He reiterated that Türkiye would not allow “reckless individuals who immorally attack the lofty values of our nation” to exploit freedom of expression as a shield for incitement and disrespect.
In Islam, any visual representation of prophets—including Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Moses, who is also revered in Judaism and Christianity—is strictly prohibited, making such depictions deeply offensive to many in the Muslim community.
The incident has reignited debates in Türkiye over the limits of freedom of expression and the protection of religious values, with President Erdoğan affirming his government’s commitment to safeguarding the latter.
