Daijiworld Media Network – Ankara

Ankara, Jul 1: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday condemned a satirical magazine for allegedly publishing a cartoon of Prophet Mohammed, calling it a ‘vile provocation’ and a ‘hate crime.’

“It is a clear provocation disguised as humour,” Erdogan said in a strongly worded statement, accusing the magazine LeMan of targeting Islamic values under the pretext of satire. The president confirmed that authorities have taken over the publication and initiated legal proceedings.

Erdogan’s remarks come amid growing outrage in conservative sections of Turkish society, with officials accusing the magazine of inciting religious hatred. He asserted that such acts would not be tolerated under the guise of freedom of expression and warned of strict action against attempts to offend religious sentiments.

Legal authorities in Turkey are expected to pursue charges against the publication, while government-aligned media echoed Erdogan’s call to uphold respect for faith and religious figures.