Viral: Pikachu Rises Up Against Erdogan, Video Leaves Internet in Frenzy

Viral News: Amid massive protests in Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a Pikachu costume flashing through the streets of Antalya has taken the internet by surprise.

In videos going viral, a protester was seen donning a full-body Pikachu costume and escaping from the police. The footage, shared by a user with the caption “The Pokémon have risen up against Erdogan,” has taken social media by storm.

Videos surfaced online showing demonstrators fleeing the protest scene as police used water cannons to disperse them. Another visual, which appears to be AI-generated, depicts the Pikachu protester holding a Turkish flag while being chased by the police.

As per reports, nearly 2,000 people have been arrested since the detention of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, President Erdogan’s main opposition leader—last week on charges of corruption.

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Why is Turkey Protesting?

Thousands have taken to the streets after Ekrem Imamoglu, leader of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and Mayor of Istanbul, was jailed as part of a corruption probe. His supporters have accused the Erdogan government of attempting to remove political opposition ahead of the 2028 elections.

Police have fired water cannons, pepper spray, and plastic pellets to disperse demonstrators across different cities in Turkey.

How Did the Internet React?

The video of Pikachu joining the protests has gone viral, with many questioning whether it is AI-generated.

One user joked, “I’m hoping Pikachu overthrows Erdogan and becomes their leader.”

Another commented, “I’m not too familiar with Turkish politics, but I’m on whatever side Pikachu is on.”

A third quipped, “I had no idea Pikachu could run so fast!”

“Pikachu suits could be the new uniforms for fighting the rise of authoritarianism in the modern surveillance state,” another user suggested.

The unique act by the protester has grabbed global attention, turning a moment of political resistance into an internet sensation.