Watch- Pikachu Vs Police: A protester in Pikachu costume looks at the escape from the police in Türkiye’s protests

The protests erupted throughout Türkiye after the arrest of the Istanbul Mayor Ikrim Imamoglu, the most prominent opponent of President Tayeb Erdogan, on the alleged links of terrorist groups. But in the midst of chaos, one surreal image acquired on the Internet: an inflatable Pikachu protester set away from the police during a campaign in Antalya.

The viral moment was first shared by the writer and political commentator Adam Schwarrs on Bluezki. “Pikachu was seen among the anti -Erdogan demonstrators, Yavun from the police in Antalya, Türkiye last night,” he wrote. The clip, which was later republished on X, drew widespread attention. “Pokemon has risen against Erdogan,” a user joked.

According to 404 Media, the original video was captured by ISMail Koçeroğlu, a photographer at Akdeniz University in Antalya. The shots show the streets full of fleeing demonstrators, where Pikachu works feverish in the crowd. The moment it became strange but symbolic, it has become one of the most widely circulated images of protests. The image created from artificial intelligence among the demonstrators has become viral.

The protests resulted in the arrest of IMamoglu, the main commander of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). As Reuters reported, he was detained on charges of helping a terrorist group. In a post on X after his arrest, IMamoglu wrote: “I will not give up.” His detention pushed anger worldwide and arrested nearly 1900 demonstrators.

The Minister of Justice in Türkiye addressed the media in Istanbul, saying: “We do not want to arrest any politician, but if there is evidence of a violation, this can happen.” He added: “If we look at the seriousness of allegations, and since there is a danger that the evidence can be hidden, the judiciary has made a reasonable decision.”