Raid on Leman magazine: Police set up barriers, statement from Governor Gül

An investigation has been launched into the cartoon that openly degrades religious values ​​and was published in the June 26 issue of Leman magazine.

A group reacting to the cartoon came to the street where the magazine's building in Beyoğlu is located. There were occasional clashes between the riot police teams who had closed the street for security reasons and the demonstrators. The group chanted slogans and then prayed together on İstiklal Avenue. The group's demonstration continued until late at night. Police security measures around the magazine building are ongoing.

Governor of Istanbul Gül: We will not remain silent to any infamy that reaches our nation's faith

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, in his statement on his social media account, noted the following:

"The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched a judicial investigation under Article 216 of the Turkish Penal Code due to an ugly cartoon drawing of our Prophet, and a detention order has been issued for 4 people. The rule of law is doing what is necessary against this mentality that is trying to provoke society by attacking our sacred values. We will not remain silent to any despicable act that extends to our nation's faith."

Warning to citizens from Istanbul Governor Gül

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül warned citizens not to engage in behavior that could lead to legal problems on the streets or in digital media.

Governor Gül, in his statement on his social media account, stated that every disrespect towards the Prophet Muhammad creates a deep wound in everyone's heart, and noted the following:

"These ugly attacks are not ideas or humor, but conscious and systematic provocations that directly target our beliefs. Our state is carrying out legal processes with determination. We do not want our fellow citizens to fall for this dirty game and behave in ways that will lead to legal problems on the streets or in digital media. Being wrong in an issue where we are right is exactly what the provocateurs want. Please maintain your common sense, act with dignity. Do not stray from the legal ground while defending our beliefs."

Governor Gül calls on those protesting the magazine to disperse

Governor Gül made the following statement in his post on his social media account:

"Three of the four individuals for whom there was a detention warrant were caught by our security forces. It was determined that some individuals who were among the demonstrators were engaging in provocative actions. It is important that the groups demonstrating are dispersed in order to prevent our citizens from being harmed and to maintain public order. No one has the right or freedom to commit a crime, regardless of the reason."

DHA, AA