world

Charlie Hebdo sparks Turkish fury with cartoon of Erdogan

58 Comments
By Fulya OZERKAN

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© 2020 AFP

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

58 Comments

Comments have been disabled You can no longer respond to this thread.

I have a message for President Erdogan and that message is simple: In the Netherlands, freedom of expression is one of our highest values

Yes. Far more important than people’s childish, and sometimes violent, reactions to having their religious feelings hurt.

Erdogan is made for satire. More images ridiculing him would be good.

Buy French goods

19 ( +24 / -5 )

French people need to stop being vulgar.

I think decapitating people for cartoons is much more vulgar.

24 ( +29 / -5 )

Erdogan needs to grow a spine.

What a super-sensitive crybaby he is.

He shouldn’t be in politics, let alone be in the top seat.

14 ( +18 / -4 )

The reality is that ruthless dictators like Erdogan who ruin lives can't be stopped by cartoons, only by bullets.

12 ( +15 / -3 )

Turkey will sink with Erdogan unless a vaccine fro ERdogan is developed Turkey is gone

13 ( +16 / -3 )

@R.T., I should only have to tell you this once; half my blood is French. We are NOT vulgar. We speak our minds and we all respect that. Without the violence imported upon us by nuts like you.

13 ( +16 / -3 )

Buy French goods. Travel there. Enjoy the people. The real French people. Dificile? Non.

14 ( +16 / -2 )

I see absolutely no problem with people complaining about cartoons made to mock them, exactly the same as I see no problem with people making cartoons to mock other people. Both have freedom of speech to say whatever they like, as long as nobody incites violence.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Charlie Hebdo really seems to like starting trouble. It's one thing to ridicule Erdogan but why always bringing in something about the Prophet Muhammad? You get what you ask for so don't be surprised by the reaction or what may follow. You are asking for it.

-14 ( +2 / -16 )

The front-page caricature of Wednesday's edition of Charlie Hebdo, released online on Tuesday night, shows Erdogan in a t-shirt and underpants, drinking a can of beer and lifting up the skirt of a woman wearing a hijab to reveal her naked bottom.

Ha Ha Ha.

This is hilarious .

Erdogan is a bully who can dish it out but cannot take it.

Cannot understand French but went to their website and check out the cartoons.

The Sep 2 issue is available in English I will buy it for sure.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

MocheakeToday 08:59 am JST

Charlie Hebdo really seems to like starting trouble. It's one thing to ridicule Erdogan but why always bringing in something about the Prophet Muhammad? You get what you ask for so don't be surprised by the reaction or what may follow. You are asking for it.

They often draw the Pope, Jesus, or who/whatever religious symbols, only the Islamic ones make noise for some reason.

And maybe because they had a little history since January 2015...

8 ( +10 / -2 )

What sort of pompous, precious petal is this Erdogan? EVERY political leader in the world has cartoons drawn of them. EVERY one. Almost all of them are unflattering, some downright nasty. Does this arrogant creep think he is special or something?

Grow a pair, Erdogan.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

You get what you ask for so don't be surprised by the reaction or what may follow. You are asking for it.

Only medieval minded barbarians would kill people over a cartoon.

Same goes for the people who stand with the killers.

Shameful!!

10 ( +12 / -2 )

"Take for example the very same situation. When Erdogan said to Macron that he needs to have a mental check, he, along with other unsophisticated leaders, started complaining. Is that not ironic?"

You seem not to comprehend the difference between a statement from a politician, especially the head of a state, and a cartoon by a publication, which by the way satirizes all religions, politicians, etc.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

We have free speech rights that are not constrained to what is popular.

The West should invite Erdogan to do the anatomically impossible.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Their next cartoon should depict the Sultan of Ankara in a diaper bawling loudly. What a crybaby. Macron is satirized and criticized as a matter of routine. All western politicians are. It comes with the job. Only an insecure baby behaves like Mr. Erdogan.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

R. T.Today 10:38 am JST

I do, do you? Similar vulgar remarks were made from the "head of the state" of France.

Like I said, most people repeat words without thinking.

Oh you got me, in yout opinion what vulgar thing did Macron say ?

3 ( +5 / -2 )

R.T., before starting insulting other posters, you may also need to check the definition of "vulgar" in the dictionary. For example, compare the following two sentences, then lets repeat words while thinking.

"Macron vowed that France would stick to its secular traditions and laws guaranteeing freedom of speech"

"Erdogan suggested he (Macron) needed "mental checks" "

6 ( +7 / -1 )

R. T.Today 11:09 am JST

"we will continue to publish them", and proceeded by encouraging that and projecting the images on a government building.

Doesn't sound vulgar to me ...

R. T.Today 11:12 am JST

oh my reply was an insult in your definition? I hope you did not get hurt

Thanks for making me giggle, that's quite ironical considering your position.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

"We condemn this most disgusting effort by this publication to spread its cultural racism and hatred,

Erdogan is a race now? I thought I heard it all.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

There is no "free" speech. It was nothing more than an Enlightenment-era attempt to overturn Christian blasphemy laws, many of which are still on the books in various jurisdictions. All free speech has ever been is an attempt to convince Western civilization to put down its guard and allow the wicked and degenerate to freely spread their propaganda and wizard spells.

In the mouths of the wicked, "freedom" is just the English translation of non serviam.

-10 ( +1 / -11 )

Anyone putting at the same level a cartoon picture and a decapitation is supporting terrorism.

No one has ever forcied you to buy Charlie hebdo.

The images that were shot on buildings is to make you understand that a picture is just a picture. No one has the right to kill in the name of a picture or to be more precise un the name of a religion. Islamists, who put religion before politics, (which standard Muslims do not) have to stop spreading hatred.

Erdogan fell foul of his own traps. Instead of demanding like a dictator, he should learn how to persuade by wise thoughts.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

@R.T.

Take for example the very same situation. When Erdogan said to Macron that he needs to have a mental check, he, along with other unsophisticated leaders, started complaining. Is that not ironic?

I am also perfectly OK with this, both with Erdogan insulting Macron or you saying that you find it ironic. Freedom of speech do not mean freedom from valid consequences, so long as nobody incites violence complaining is completely fine in my book.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

There is no "free" speech. It was nothing more than an Enlightenment-era attempt to overturn Christian blasphemy laws

A very good thing.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Erdogan is à worm.

More cartoons every day please. Until the islamofascists get it.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

As much as I hate Erdogan, this privileged toyboy just reinforces many peoples view of the stereotype, French are arrogant and racist.

-8 ( +3 / -11 )

https://eurasiantimes.com/turkey-aghast-as-french-magazine-charlie-hebdo-publishes-loathsome-caricature-of-erdogan/

There's the cartoon. Pretty much sums up te hypocrisy of religious zealotry - whether it be Arabian sheiks tooting cocaine off white girls bums or anti-gay US politicians getting caught with a meth-fueled Wide Stance. Religion should be removed from all decision making.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

I saw news of demonstrations against Macron across the Muslim world.

Can’t we get these kinds of crowds out for fury against FGM, executing/flogging/imprisoning apostates/blasphemers/gays, domestic violence, subjugation of women etc?

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Both Erdogan and Macron are skilful political manipulators. Despite having different ideologies, these two politicians do not look for dispute resolution and seem to enjoy seeing how their disputes escalate to a different level.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

freely spread their propaganda and wizard spells.

propaganda and wizard spells

wizard spells

wizard spells

WIZARD SPELLS

WIZARD

SPELLS

OMG I damn near spit out my coffee when I read this. I needed a good laugh.

As for Erdogan, of course he’s having a conniption. That’s the thing about tin pot dictators; they can stand ridicule because their grip on power is so frail, that it wouldn’t stand up to it for long.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

*can’t stand ridicule

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Its only the Muslim Nations that hold wild protests over stupid cartoons - and why, well because their Religious leaders told the brainwashed majority to do so...

Macron is 100% right to say what he said. However, may he could have added the exclusion of Law abiding citizens who practiced their religion without impacting others... (too long winded).

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Will China be heaping praise upon the French and offering advice upon how to deal with troublesome groups ?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The Sultan of Ankara and others in the Muslim world are painting French efforts to find and arrest terrorists in their midst as "proof" of French racism.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

There is no "free" speech. It was nothing more than an Enlightenment-era attempt to overturn Christian blasphemy laws, many of which are still on the books in various jurisdictions. All free speech has ever been is an attempt to convince Western civilization to put down its guard and allow the wicked and degenerate to freely spread their propaganda and wizard spells.

In the mouths of the wicked, "freedom" is just the English translation of non serviam.

The demand for freedom of speech is to allow people to criticize their government, expose their mistakes, discuss alternatives to the existing order without fear of arrest, imprisonment in some dungeon and perhaps death on something like the Catherine Wheel (find out what that was). Religion becomes the subject of criticism and opposition to the degree it is able to wield political power and restrict behaviors in a society. Free speech and a free press are fundamental parts of self government. Self government is impossible without these. A people who mean to govern themselves must have unrestricted access to information including and especially information on government policies and the actions of government officials along with the ability to discuss ideas openly and freely. There is no other way self government can be successful. And that is the foundation of the demand for free speech.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

In the mouths of the wicked, "freedom" is just the English translation of non serviam.

It's an interesting notion. (I'm assuming your reference to non serviam is its relation to devil worship and the freedom to deny God's will.)

The philosopher Isiah Berlin once wrote about two concepts of liberty - freedom to (positive liberty) and freedom from (negative liberty). They are often in conflict.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Sorry, some examples..

Freedom to oppress versus freedom from oppression.

Freedom to offend versus freedom from being offended.

Free speech and a free press are fundamental parts of self government. 

But should we question these freedoms?

Freedom to lie versus freedom from lies.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Interesting posts Albaleo, thanks :)

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Freedom to lie versus freedom from lies.

Expecting to be free from lies is ridiculous. And you can be sure that absent free speech you will be lied to by whomever and whatever wields power. That it the well proven history of tyrannies. Free speech guarantees you the right to ask hard questions and challenge the veracity of what you are told. That is a fundamental human right. Why are you afraid of this? Instead of shying away from hard questions or suppressing the questioner, free speech forces you to read, understand your subject and come up with a rational argument. I reckon that is too much work for some, easier to suppress uncomfortable challenges.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Free speech guarantees you the right to ask hard questions and challenge the veracity of what you are told. That is a fundamental human right.

Does it also allow us to deny the holocaust, or tell someone their neighbour is a sinner, or tell someone they need their roof fixed when they don't?

I believe it's a fundamental right to hold and express opinions. But not necessarily in any way we want to. I think we learn that when we are very young. Freedoms have consequences.

As for cartoons that mock politicians and religions, I'm all for them. But that's me.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

PM Erdogan is not the prophet, he should cool

down...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Can’t we get these kinds of crowds out for fury against FGM, executing/flogging/imprisoning apostates/blasphemers/gays, domestic violence, subjugation of women etc?

Why would they? The Quran tells them to do all those things.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

All free speech has ever been is an attempt to convince Western civilization to put down its guard and allow the wicked and degenerate to freely spread their propaganda and wizard spells.

I prefer secularism to sectarianism. Don't you?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Why would they? The Quran tells them to do all those things.

The Bible is remarkably similar, in that respect. That's the Abrahamic, monotheistic religions for you.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I think it is a brilliant cartoon!!!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Does it also allow us to deny the holocaust, or tell someone their neighbour is a sinner, or tell someone they need their roof fixed when they don't?

Yes. So what? Part of a free society is being informed and being able to make decisions based on this information. I have no patience for calls to limit freedoms just because something you may do or say might offend somebody. Your truth could be somebody else's lie, especially when it comes to religion and social matters. That is no excuse to limit the freedom of expression. Listen to the differing opinions expressed freely, read and come to your own conclusion. But never try to suppress someones right to say or do simply because it bothers you. Have you ever read James Madison's speech "A Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessemnts" or John Adams "A Dissertation on the Canon and Feudal Law"? Charlie Hebdo is mild stuff in comparison to the way Madison and Adams rip Christianity, with Adams referring to the clergy as a "wretched herd".

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The Bible is remarkably similar, in that respect. That's the Abrahamic, monotheistic religions for you.

The Old Testament is one of the most blood soaked and sexually deviant assemblage of stories ever written. The populations of whole cities are killed because they are the wrong religion, enemies are condemned to slavery, men have multiple wives and concubines and hundreds of children between them, and kings order men off to certain death in battle so the king can have the deceased warriors wife as his. There is depraved conduct throughout. But it is considered the sacred word of god by millions.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The Old Testament is one of the most blood soaked and sexually deviant assemblage of stories ever written. The populations of whole cities are killed because they are the wrong religion, enemies are condemned to slavery, men have multiple wives and concubines and hundreds of children between them, and kings order men off to certain death in battle so the king can have the deceased warriors wife as his. There is depraved conduct throughout. But it is considered the sacred word of god by millions.

You are right about the Hebrew Bible being the most violent and immoral of all the monotheistic books, but even the literalists concede it was written by men and inspired by god. It gives wiggle room for ‘reinterpretation’ and plain ignoring.

Mainstream Islam teaches that the Koran is the literal and perfect word of Allah as revealed to Mohammed and good for all times. This is far more restrictive and part of the reason why reforming Islam and ignoring the outdated and barbaric aspects is a tougher task.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites