Outrage over Charlie Hebdo’s earthquake cartoon

PARIS (AA) – French magazine Charlie Hebdo has drawn criticism from Parisians with a cartoon it published mocking Türkiye after the country was hit by two deadly earthquakes on Monday.

The cartoon, posted on Twitter under the heading “cartoon of the day,” shows buildings near collapse and lying in rubble, a flipped-over car, and piles of debris.

“Earthquake in Türkiye,” is written above the cartoon, and the words “No need to even send tanks” appear at the bottom.

People voiced anger over Charlie Hebdo, billed as a satirical weekly, publishing the cartoon even as frantic search and rescue efforts continue for survivors.

Interviewed by Anadolu, Parisians commented on the cartoon. All names were changed to protect their identities.

Thomas, 24, said Charlie Hebdo was trying to be funny but this is a “complicated” thing to do when it comes to a tragedy.

“I don’t want to laugh at all,” he said. “I find it vapid to laugh at.

“After all, I don’t think it’s their role in general,” he added. “Instead it should be to give information. Humor, there are professionals for that.”

Benoit, another young man, told Anadolu that the situation in the countries hit by the quakes is very serious.

“We need to provide them support, immensely. When it comes to the cartoons, people should support them and draw cartoons that show our support, together,” he added.

“I think it serves nothing to add tanks to it,” he continued.

Simone expressed sorrow for the victims, and criticized the magazine’s “extremely dark humor.”

Amandine said the cartoon seemed like a poor attempt to attract attention. “I don’t see this cartoon in a good way, it’s absurd to still see this kind of image today,” she added.

Charlie Hebdo is notorious for its cartoons insulting the feelings of Muslims. It has previously received condemnation from around the world for publishing blasphemous cartoons.