Protests and Arrests in Istanbul After Publishing a Cartoon "Offensive to Religious Values"
Streets of Istanbul witnessed violent clashes on Monday, June 30, between security forces and protesters angry over a cartoon published in the satirical magazine "Leman", which they deemed offensive to religious values.
The police responded by using rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds, while authorities announced the arrest of four individuals, including the cartoonist and officials from the magazine.
The Istanbul prosecutor ordered the arrest of editors at the magazine after accusing them of publishing a drawing "blatantly offensive to religious values", according to an official statement. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya quickly announced the detention of the cartoonist, Dr. B. (referred to by his initials), and two magazine officials and a graphic designer.
The minister posted videos on the "X" platform showing the detainees being taken from their homes at night, accompanied by a comment stating: "The so-called Dr. B. who drew this despicable cartoon has been arrested and detained", affirming that "these shameless individuals will be brought to justice".
Protests escalated following the spread of news about the drawing, with dozens of protesters attacking a bar frequented by "Leman" employees in central Istanbul, leading to clashes with the police.
According to a correspondent from Agence France-Presse, between 250 and 300 people participated in the confrontations, which involved the use of non-lethal ammunition and tear gas.
On the other hand, "Leman" magazine denied the accusation and its editor-in-chief, Tonguç Akıngün, told AFP that the drawing was "misinterpreted". The magazine defended the drawing on the "X" platform and accused certain parties of "intentionally misinterpreting" it.
In another official response, Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gül announced a criminal investigation for "publicly insulting religious values", stating on "X": "Disrespecting our beliefs is absolutely unacceptable".
