Controversial Cartoon Sparks Tension in Turkey

A Turkish cartoonist was detained after a caricature depicting the Prophet Muhammad sparked controversy and protests. The Interior Minister announced the arrest on social media. The incident, reminiscent of the 2015 Charlie Hebdo attack, led to accusations of religious insensitivity and potential legal action against the satirical magazine.

In a move stirring controversy and protest, a Turkish cartoonist was detained on Monday over a caricature featuring the Prophet Muhammad. Officials indicated that the artwork published in a satirical magazine responsible for the uproar prompted swift action from the authorities.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya publicly shared on the platform X that the Leman magazine cartoonist, identified by the initials DP, had been taken into custody. A video displayed the arrest as the artist, hands bound behind his back, was led away by police.

Compounding the tension, Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc initiated a legal investigation into the publication for potentially insulting religious values, following an attack on Leman's offices by Islamist youth. The scenario draws parallels to the 2015 Charlie Hebdo tragedy, highlighting ongoing global tensions between freedom of expression and religious respect.

(With inputs from agencies.)