The recent edition of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, featuring caricatures of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has ignited controversy and sparked debates.

Charlie Hebdo is known for its provocative and irreverent content that often targets political figures and religious symbols. However, their depiction of Erdoğan has received mixed reactions from various individuals and groups.

The cartoon portrays President Erdoğan in a bathtub, drawing parallels to the death of French singer Claude François, who was electrocuted while bathing.

Accompanying the cartoon is the statement "Comme Cloclo, on a tous une chance de mourir sous sa douche" (Like Cloclo, we all have a chance of dying in the shower), which some perceive as a derogatory reference to Claude François' death, further intensifying the controversy surrounding the magazine's publication.

Alongside the drawing, a statement reads, "Similar to Cloclo, only destiny can rescue us from him."

Leading up to the first round of elections in Turkey, the Western media has also published anti-Erdoğan articles, contributing to a smear campaign aimed at influencing Turkish voters' preferences.

In response to the Charlie Hebdo publication, Fahrettin Altun, the Director of Communications for the Turkish presidency, posted a statement on Twitter.

“President Erdoğan has always been a tireless advocate of regional stability and peace. He is a historic political figure with major contributions to global challenges. We deplore those who wish him ill in the strongest terms,” Altun said.

He further criticized publications like Charlie Hebdo, stating that their primary motivation is to spread hatred against Islam. Altun attributed their targeting of President Erdogan to his role as one of the most influential Muslim leaders in modern times. He asserted that their recurring provocations aim to incite violence through Islamophobia and racism. Altun affirmed that Turkey would not fall into their trap but would continue to denounce their repugnant xenophobia masquerading as freedom of expression.

“President Erdogan is the kind of leader truly committed to addressing the deep cracks in the international system. He regularly works with world leaders through international forums to meet the challenges of our time such as war, civil strife, disease, hunger, terrorism, climate change, and environment. He has turned Türkiye into a center of global regional and global solutions. The critical importance of his steady leadership for global peace deserves nothing but praise and appreciation,” he added.

Altun concluded by condemning personal attacks and hateful commentary directed at President Erdogan. He vowed not to remain silent or turn a blind eye to the racism he faces throughout the "civilized" world in the name of freedom of speech. Altun affirmed Turkey's commitment to confront hate, Islamophobia, and xenophobia that attempt to hide behind democratic values. (ILKHA)