Protests Intensify Across Turkey as Pikachu Costume Becomes Unlikely Symbol of Resistance

Demonstrations continue nationwide after the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, with nearly 2,000 arrests reported and a viral video fueling political and social debate.

• Protests erupted across Turkey following the arrest and removal of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key opposition figure.
• A viral video of a protester in a Pikachu costume fleeing police in Antalya has become a symbol of resistance, gaining widespread attention.
• Pro-government media accused the opposition of using the Pikachu costume as a psychological warfare tactic to attract sympathy and participation.
• The Pikachu costume has been embraced by many protesters, though some have criticized it for trivializing the seriousness of the demonstrations.
• The government has intensified its crackdown, with nearly 2,000 protesters arrested and several hundred placed in pretrial detention.

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