Protests Over Istanbul Mayor's Arrest Intensify as Viral Pikachu Symbol Gains Global Attention

Demonstrations across Turkey continue following Ekrem Imamoglu's arrest, with nearly 1,900 detained and misinformation complicating the narrative.

Protests erupted nationwide after the March 19 arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key opposition figure and potential Erdogan challenger in 2028.
A viral video of a protester dressed as Pikachu fleeing police in Antalya on March 26 has become a symbol of the movement, energizing demonstrators.
The Pikachu incident has drawn millions of views online, but AI-generated fake images of the event have circulated, raising concerns about misinformation.
The Turkish government has arrested 1,879 people since mid-March, with 260 currently incarcerated or facing imprisonment, as nightly protests persist despite bans.
Supporters of the ruling party have criticized the Pikachu symbol as a staged effort to glamorize dissent among younger generations.