“Pikachu” joins protests against Erdogan in Turkey; Hilarious video goes viral

Amid widespread protests against the wrongful arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, an unexpected protester was seen running through the streets of Antalya. Dressed in a large full-body costume of the Pokemon character, Pikachu, they evaded the police, escaping the smoke and water cannons being set off.

A video of the protester has gone viral on social media. Many users are expressing amusment and support for “Pikachu”, as seen below.

Thousands took to the streets in protest after authorities imprisoned Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent opponent of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on corruption charges. His supporters argue that the arrest is politically driven and accuse the government of manipulating the judiciary to eliminate opposition ahead of the 2028 elections.

While the government asserts that the courts operate independently, critics contend that the case is based on flimsy evidence and anonymous testimonies, according to the Associated Press.

As protests spread throughout Turkey, security forces in Ankara, Istanbul, and Antalya responded with force. Riot police used water cannons, pepper spray, and plastic pellets to disperse the crowds. At Middle East Technical University, students attempting to make a public statement were met with tear gas and baton charges.

Rights organizations condemned the police for using excessive force and called on the government to permit peaceful protests. Western leaders described the crackdown as a sign of democratic erosion.