Charlie Hebdo takes criticism for cartoon depicting drowned Syrian boy

A parody depicting the drowned Syrian boy whose body was photographed lying face down on a beach in Turkey is bringing condemnation to the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo for publishing the cartoon.

The photograph of 3-year-old Aylan Kurdi, whose body washed up on a beach in Turkey earlier this month, became the image that represented the plight of refugees fleeing war-torn countries in hopes for a better life in Europe.

Charlie Hebdo posted a cartoon of the famous photograph that reads (translated): "So close to making it." There is a billboard in the background of the cartoon that appears to be a fast-food offer for a kids' meal menu: two for the price of one.

Reuters reported that another cartoon, drawn by a survivor of the January terror attack on Charlie Hebdo that left 12 people dead, features a "Jesus-like figure" appearing to walk on water and a smaller figure sinking. The caption, translated, says, "Christians walk on water" and "Muslim children sink."

The cartoons were widely criticized, but one expert from a think tank told the news agency that the magazine was clearly attacking Europe’s slow-footed response to the migrant crisis.

In January, the publication was attacked because it had depicted Muhammad, according to an Al Qaeda affiliate that claimed responsibility for the attack. Drawing Muhammad is considered blasphemous in Islam. Hebdo's response was to feature a caricature of Muhammad on the cover of its next issue.

The new editor said at the time, "We still believe that we have the right to criticize all religions."

Violent protests broke out after a Danish newspaper published several cartoons of Muhammad in September 2005. More recently, two Islamic militants were shot dead in Texas as they opened fire at a "Draw Muhammad" art exhibition in May 2015.