Civil society organizations in Midyat, Mardin province, have escalated their criticism of a Coca-Cola advertisement featured in the latest episode of the popular TV series Far City, demanding an apology and an end to the show’s partnership with the brand.

The Midyat NGO Platform, a coalition of local groups, issued a strongly worded statement on Wednesday condemning the ad, citing Coca-Cola’s reported ties to Israel’s occupation regime amid widespread pro-Palestinian sentiment in the region.

The platform’s statement expressed outrage, noting: “In the last episode of Far City, Coca-Cola, a sponsor of the murderous occupation regime Israel, was advertised, causing widespread reactions across the country.” The group called on the series’ producers to retract the advertisement, issue a public apology, and immediately sever ties with Coca-Cola. They warned that failure to comply could lead to protests at filming locations, invoking their constitutional right to demonstrate.

The controversy reflects growing activism in Mardin, where solidarity with Palestine has fueled calls to boycott companies linked to Israel, particularly in light of its ongoing genocidal operations in Gaza. The backlash has put significant pressure on Far City’s production team, with the public closely monitoring whether the demands will be met or if demonstrations will erupt.

The public backlash has placed mounting pressure on the series’ producers, with many in the region closely watching whether an apology will be issued or if protests will soon unfold on the ground.

This development underscores the increasing role of civil society in demanding ethical accountability from media productions, especially in a time when cultural products are being scrutinized for their political and economic affiliations. (ILKHA)