Amid tear gas, water cannons, and building protests in Turkey, a surprise character appeared amidst the chaos—a Pikachu costume-clad individual. The protester in a costume was spotted running down Antalya’s streets on Thursday, dodging riot police as protesters hurled stones and fistfights with security forces about the disputed arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.
Pikachu running away along with protesters has been made into viral videos on social media, bringing international attention to the protests. “I’m not well-versed in Turkish politics,” one X user said, “but I’m on whatever side Pikachu is on.” A second replied, jokingly, “I didn’t know Pikachu could run that fast.”
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Why Turkey Is Protesting
Thousands protested on the streets after officials jailed Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a strong political opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on corruption charges. Supporters argue the arrest is politically motivated, alleging that the government is using the judiciary to destroy opposition before the 2028 elections.
Though the government insists that courts are independent, critics say that the case hinges on shaky evidence and anonymous witness accounts, said the Associated Press.
As protests swept the nation, riot police reacted violently in cities such as Ankara, Istanbul, and Antalya. Security forces used water cannons, pepper spray, and plastic bullets to push back crowds. Middle East Technical University students were met with baton charges and tear gas as they tried to make a public statement.
Mayor’s Lawyer Detained, Critics Call It a ‘Legal Coup’
Late on Thursday, Ekrem Imamoglu’s attorney, Mehmet Pehlivan, was arrested on unspecified charges, further ratcheting up tensions. The mayor went to X to condemn the action, labeling it a “legal coup.”
“The evil that a handful of incompetent people are inflicting on our country is growing. Release my lawyer immediately,” Imamoglu wrote in his post.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that authorities had detained nearly 1,900 protesters, with over 260 formally jailed pending trial, according to Reuters.
Human rights groups have condemned the police response, accusing them of excessive force and calling on the government to respect peaceful protests. Western leaders have also voiced concern, viewing the crackdown as a sign of Turkey’s democratic decline.
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc explained the arrest by saying that parliamentarians do not enjoy immunity from legal proceedings and that the courts act on only criminal complaints. Nevertheless, Imamoglu’s arrest, with days to go before he would be officially endorsed as the CHP’s 2028 presidential candidate, has evoked suspicion.
A university withdrew Imamoglu’s diploma, a necessity for presidential nominees, a day before his arrest, adding strength to claims of political intrigue.
