Pikachu Leads Turkish Protest: Call for Jailed Mayor's Release

Pikachu Leads Protest in Antalya: Demands for Imamoglu's Release Grow A protest march took place in Antalya, Turkey, on June 2nd, 2025, with an unusual leader: a person in a Pikachu costume. The demonstration focused on the imprisonment of Istanbul mayor and opposition candidate Ekrem Imamoglu. Demonstrators carried banners and chanted slogans demanding his immediate release. Imamoglu, who is imprisoned in Silivri, sent a message emphasizing the importance of upholding the law and mutual trust for a society to function properly. "Aby spoločnosť mohla fungovať, musí najprv veriť v zákon a potom jeden druhému." he stated. This message, relayed through various media outlets, resonated with the protesters and highlights the significance of their demands. The unexpected presence of Pikachu added a unique visual element to the protest, attracting significant media attention and highlighting the growing discontent with the current political climate in Turkey. The use of a popular cartoon character underscores the broader appeal of the protest and its message of hope and perseverance in the face of political oppression.