CNN Türk accuses Pikachu of 'psychological warfare': 'Not an innocent object'

The participation of a protester in a Pikachu costume in the demonstrations that began following the detention of CHP's presidential candidate and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has become a topic of debate on CNN Türk. Guests participating in the channel's broadcast characterized the situation as psychological warfare.

Protests that began following the detention of İmamoğlu and his close associates continue across the country. Citizens from various cities have supported the demonstrations that started in Saraçhane.

Ferhat Murat, who participated in the CNN Türk program, claimed that the Pikachu character was being used 'to make street events appear sympathetic.' Murat said, 'Its basic concept is catching imaginary creatures. They are trying to make these types of street events look sympathetic and appear as if terrorist organizations are not involved.'

Coşkun Başbuğ, who introduced himself as a 'terrorism and security expert,' emphasized that the Pikachu costume was 'not an innocent object,' and stated the following:

'It is known by everyone that a psychological warfare is being applied. This was planned beforehand. I am never of the opinion that this is an innocent object brought to the field solely as an individual's reaction.'

During the CNN Türk broadcast, questions appeared on the screen ticker such as 'A perception study specifically for Gen Z?', 'A Japanese symbol in the protests', 'Has Pikachu become a tool to invite people to the streets?', and 'Psychological warfare with Pikachu?'

This CNN Türk broadcast found wide resonance on social media. Users made posts criticizing the channel's approach to the protests.

News Source: 12punto