LeMan defended itself on the social platform X, asserting that the cartoon does not reference Muhammad, and apologizing to readers who felt offended. The cartoon showed two winged characters in a war-torn setting, one reportedly saying, "Peace be upon you, I'm Muhammed," and the other responding, "Peace be upon you, I'm Musa." Turkey’s Minister of Justice has commenced investigations for "publicly insulting religious values," emphasizing that such portrayals harm societal peace.
Editor-in-chief Tuncay Akgun, currently located in Paris, expressed concern over the backlash likening it to the infamous attack on Charlie Hebdo, stressing that the magazine never intended to insult religious sentiments. He argued that the cartoon's intent was to symbolize the suffering of oppressed Muslim communities, asserting that misinterpretations of the work have led to undue accusations against them.
The controversy reflects a larger struggle around freedom of expression and religious sensitivities in Turkey, where the government has a history of taking strong action against perceived insults to Islam.
Editor-in-chief Tuncay Akgun, currently located in Paris, expressed concern over the backlash likening it to the infamous attack on Charlie Hebdo, stressing that the magazine never intended to insult religious sentiments. He argued that the cartoon's intent was to symbolize the suffering of oppressed Muslim communities, asserting that misinterpretations of the work have led to undue accusations against them.
The controversy reflects a larger struggle around freedom of expression and religious sensitivities in Turkey, where the government has a history of taking strong action against perceived insults to Islam.
