Archive · 2 Jul 2025
Turkish Cartoonist Arrested Over Controversial Drawing
A Turkish cartoonist named Dogan Pehlevan was arrested because of a drawing he made.
The drawing showed two important religious figures, Mohammad and Moses, shaking hands while missiles flew around.
Some people were very angry and upset because they thought it was disrespectful.
The President of Turkey also spoke out against the cartoon.
Pehlevan is accused of trying to make people hate each other and also of insulting the President.
Pehlevan says his cartoon was just about peace and the suffering in war, and that he didn't mean to offend anyone.
He and three other people from the magazine are now waiting for their trial.
Turkish cartoonist Dogan Pehlevan was arrested pending trial.
Pehlevan's cartoon depicted two figures, Mohammad and Moses, shaking hands with missiles below.
The cartoon sparked outrage and condemnation, including from President Erdogan.
Pehlevan faces charges of inciting hatred and insulting the president.
Leman magazine, which published the cartoon, stated the cartoon aimed to portray wartime suffering.
- Who
- Dogan Pehlevan, a Turkish cartoonist.
- What
- Cartoonist Dogan Pehlevan was arrested.
- When
- Wednesday
- Where
- Turkey
- Why
- The arrest was prompted by a cartoon deemed offensive by some.
Cartoonist's Defense
Critics' Views
Intention of the Cartoon
Cartoonist's Defense
The cartoon intended to depict the suffering of wartime civilians, not to insult religious figures.
Critics' Views
The cartoon was a vile provocation that disrespected religious figures.
Message of the Cartoon
Cartoonist's Defense
The cartoon was a call for peace.
Critics' Views
The cartoon was an Islamophobic hate crime.
- Artist
- Dogan Pehlevan
- Magazine
- Leman
- Charges
- Inciting hatred and insulting the president
- Accusation
- Blasphemy
- Action
- Arrest pending trial
- Political Response
- Condemnation from President Erdogan