The office of satire magazine LeMan in Beyoğlu, İstanbul was attacked last night with stones and sticks after a cartoon published in its latest issue drew criticism and prompted a criminal investigation for allegedly “insulting religious values.”
The cartoon, featured in the magazine's Jun 26 issue, depicted two elderly figures identified as Muhammad and Moses flying over war-torn cities with missiles raining down, apparently alluding to the wars in Palestine, Israel, and Iran. In the cartoon, the two exchange greetings, with the Muslim one saying “Selamün Aleyküm” and the Jewish one “Aleyhem Şalom.”
News of the investigation launched by the İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office under Article 216 of the Turkish Penal Code, which criminalizes public denigration of religious values, appeared in the media just hours before the attack on LeMan’s building in Beyoğlu.
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç announced the legal action on social media, accusing the magazine of denigrating "our prophet" and said, “No freedom grants the right to make sacred beliefs the subject of vulgar humor.”
Soon after the announcement, a group gathered in front of LeMan’s office in Taksim, in response to calls circulating on social media. Videos shared online showed individuals chanting religious slogans such as "Long live sharia" while throwing stones and attempting to force entry.
The windows and doors of the building were damaged, and some of the attackers allegedly confronted patrons in nearby cafés and bars. Journalist Eylül Deniz shared on the social media platform X that the assailants also physically assaulted people around Mis Street, where LeMan's office is located:
Video showing Islamist protesters changing "Allahuakbar" on İstiklal Avenue and marching towards the magazine's office:
İstiklal Caddesi'nde toplanan gerici güruh "Yaşasın Şeriat" sloganıyla LeMan dergisine taşlı, sopalı saldırıda bulundu.
— Yeni Demokrasi Gazetesi (@yeni_demokrasi3) June 30, 2025
📸 Eylül Deniz pic.twitter.com/tmUHEbnJRu
In connection with the cartoon, four LeMan staff members, editor-in-chief Zafer Aknar, graphic designer Cebrail Okçu, cartoonist Doğan Pehlivan, and operations manager Ali Yavuz, were detained. Footage of the arrest circulated online showed them being handcuffed behind their backs.
Two other senior figures from the magazine, publisher Tuncay Akgün and editorial director Aslan Özdemir, had also arrest warrants against them but were reported to be abroad.
Degrading treatment
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya also weighed in, referring to the cartoon as a “vile drawing” and sharing footage of the cartoonist being detained by police.
Video released by the state-run Anadolu Agency (AA) shows police officers handcuffing the cartoonist behind his back and forcing his head down.
❝Bu alçak çizimi yapan D.P. adlı şahıs yakalanarak gözaltına alınmıştır❞
— Anadolu Ajansı (@anadoluajansi) June 30, 2025
İçişleri Bakanı Ali Yerlikaya, mizah dergisinde Hazreti Muhammed’in karikatürünü çizen kişinin gözaltına alındığını açıkladı ⤵️
— Peygamber Efendimizin (S.A.V) karikatürünü yaparak nifak tohumları ekmeye… pic.twitter.com/klSQixJdz4
Following the unrest, the Beyoğlu District Governor’s Office announced a 24-hour ban on all public demonstrations, including protests, press statements, and leaflet distribution, effective from 00.01 am on Jul 1.
LeMan's response
LeMan defended the cartoon in a statement posted online, rejecting accusations of religious hatred. “We did not insult any religion,” the magazine said. “The cartoonist aimed to highlight the suffering of oppressed Muslim communities, especially in Gaza. There was no intention to disrespect religious values.”
Addressing the broader backlash, the magazine added, “We urge the Justice Ministry and relevant security authorities to act against those inciting violence under the guise of religious sensitivity.”
LeMan emphasized its long-standing editorial stance in support of Palestine and Muslim causes. “We have published five special issues on Palestine and covered events like the Mavi Marmara. It is unjust and distorted to question our conscience or faith,” the statement said.
The magazine also apologized to “well-intentioned readers” who felt hurt by the cartoon, while condemning what it described as deliberate provocations and misinterpretations. (AEK/VK)
