Four people have been detained in Istanbul for publishing a cartoon of Prophet Muhammad, which authorities say insults religious values.

The arrests follow an investigation launched by Istanbul prosecutors into the alleged "public insult to religious values." The controversial cartoon appeared in the June 26 issue of satirical magazine Leman, referencing the ongoing Israel-Iran tensions and showing the Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Moses shaking hands over a devastated cityscape.

The cartoon triggered widespread anger. Videos shared on social media show large crowds demonstrating outside Leman's Istanbul office, with some protesters attempting to enter the building by force.

Fahrettin Altun, Türkiye's Communications Director, denounced the publication on social platform X, vowing that those who "shamelessly attack the sacred values of our nation" would face consequences.

“This insult to our Prophet, who is the ultimate guide for Muslims, cannot be justified under the guise of press freedom,” Altun stated, calling the cartoon the product of a "sick mentality" that will be brought to justice.

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He urged the public to act with restraint and warned against provocations. Altun also assured that all state institutions are taking appropriate steps to address what he described as "this despicable attack on our faith and values."

Additional security has been deployed around the magazine’s premises to prevent any untoward incidents, officials said.

Depictions of prophets, including Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Moses — both revered in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism — are strictly prohibited in Islamic tradition.

Source: Anadolu