Protest, police and Pikachu: Turkey erupts over Istanbul mayor’s arrest

Pikachu-clad demonstrator became an unexpected symbol of Turkey’s unrest as protests erupted over Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s arrest on corruption and terrorism charges, widely seen as politically motivated. (Image taken from video on X)​

Footage captured the Pikachu protester fleeing from riot police, attempting to escape as authorities used pepper spray, plastic pellets, and water cannons to disperse crowds. The scene quickly became a viral moment amid the unrest. (Screengrab from video on X)​

Turkey’s main opposition party, i.e mayor Imamoglu's party the Republican People’s Party (CHP), acknowledged the viral video by sharing it on X with the caption: "Pikachu’yu bile etkileyen biber gazı sana bana ne yapmaz!"
(“If even Pikachu is affected by tear gas, imagine what it does to you and me!”) (Screengrab from video on X)

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a CHP leader and a key opposition figure, was arrested on March 19 on corruption and terrorism-related charges. His supporters, along with many international observers, believe the charges are politically motivated, aiming to weaken opposition forces before upcoming elections. (Image: AP)

Since the protests began, nearly 1,900 people have been detained, including students, opposition figures, and journalists. The government has been conducting house raids to target demonstrators, many of whom belong to left-wing parties, trade unions, and civil society groups. (Image: AP)

Authorities cracked down on protests using pepper spray, plastic pellets, and water cannons in cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Students attempting to hold peaceful demonstrations were met with force, sparking further outrage. CHP lawmakers have also been present at protests, with some, like Melih Meric, suffering from pepper spray exposure. (Photo: AP)

At least 11 journalists have reportedly been arrested, including BBC reporter Mark Lowen, who was later deported. Opposition media has been heavily targeted, with TV channel Sozcu facing a 10-day broadcast ban, and other opposition news outlets fined or suspended for their coverage of the protests. (Photo: AP)

The crackdown on the protests has drawn criticism from international leaders. US secretary of state Marco Rubio and French President Emmanuel Macron have condemned Turkey’s actions, raising concerns over democratic backsliding and media suppression. (Photo: AP)

Imamoglu, who was set to be CHP’s presidential candidate, remains imprisoned, leaving Turkey’s opposition in turmoil as the country faces potential early elections. The protests and the government’s harsh response have also damaged investor confidence, forcing central bank intervention to stabilize the lira.

Despite government suppression, protests persist, exposing deep divisions in Turkish society and growing resistance to Erdogan’s tightening grip on power. (Photo: AP)