Turkey said it would take legal and diplomatic action on Wednesday in reaction to Erdogan’s caricature in the French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo. Meanwhile, a number of Turkish officials labeled it a “disgusting attempt” to “spread its cultural bigotry and hate.”
In addition, Turkish outrage at the cartoon brought the heat to a conflict over Prophet Mohammad’s cartoons. The dispute erupted after the beheading of a teacher in France this month. This happened after he showed pupils the cartoons in a lesson on freedom of speech.
Charlie Hebdo ‘s cover cartoon featured Erdogan posing in a white T-shirt and underwear. Also, he carried a canned drink together with a woman wearing an Islamic hijab.
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Our citizens should have no question that we would take all the appropriate legal and diplomatic measures toward the caricature in question. Directorate of Communications of Turkey said this in a statement.
“Our fight against these disrespectful, ill-intentioned, and offensive steps will proceed with a reason yet determination until the end,” he said in a release.
In addition, Minister of Justice Abdulhamit Gul told reporters in Ankara that the Turkish authorities would take all appropriate steps. State media also announced that Turkish investigators had started an inquiry into Charlie Hebdo ‘s executives.
Turkish authorities condemn the caricature of Erdogan
Top Turkish officials criticized the caricature of Erdogan. Meanwhile, presidential spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin stated that he had little regard for “any religion, sanctity, and principles” that had demonstrated “their own vulgarity and immorality.”
He also added that the caricature of Erdogan should not be considered freedom of expression.
“Fahrettin Altun, Turkish presidential communications officer, said:” The anti-Muslim policy of Macron bears fruit!
“We condemn this appalling attempt by this newspaper to promote its cultural bigotry and hate,” Altun posted on Twitter.
Erdogan harshly attacked Macron over the weekend. He claimed that the French president needed a mental health examination. As a result, France withdrew its ambassador from Ankara. Erdogan also called for a boycott of French goods on Monday.
