Tehran: Four individuals were arrested in Trkiye as authorities continue to investigate the publication of controversial cartoons depicting Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Moses in Leman magazine.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office initiated the investigation swiftly after the satirical magazine released caricatures that were deemed insulting to religious values. The cartoons, which appeared in the June 26 edition of Leman, made a reference to the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict and depicted the prophets shaking hands over a city in ruins.

The arrested individuals include Zafer Aknar, the editor-in-chief of Leman magazine; graphic designer Cebrail Okcu; cartoonist Dogan Pehlevan; and institution director Ali Yavuz. They are facing charges of 'publicly insulting religious values' and 'inciting hatred and hostility among the public.'

Additionally, Pehlevan has been charged with 'insulting the president' alongside 'inciting hatred,' while Aknar, Okcu, and Yavuz face related allegations of spreading hostility and humiliation.

Islamic tradition prohibits visual representations of prophets, including Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Moses, who holds significance in Judaism and Christianity as well. The publication of these cartoons has sparked serious concern across Trkiye.

In reaction, protestors assembled outside the offices of Leman magazine in Istanbul, underscoring the public's strong desire to protect religious respect and maintain societal unity.