Jailed Turkish mayor, an Erdogan rival, makes 1st court appearance since arrest [Video]

Istanbul’s jailed opposition mayor appeared in court on Friday in one of multiple cases against him. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside Silivri prison, west of Istanbul, where the hearing was taking place. 

Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has been held at Silivri since March 23. The case alleges he threatened a public prosecutor and is one of six that predate his arrest last month, which led to nationwide protests. 

Addressing the judge, Imamoglu said he was in court because he had won three elections against the person “who thinks he owns Istanbul,” a reference to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who launched his political career as the city’s mayor in the 1990s. 

The hearing was attended by Imamoglu’s wife and son, as well as lawmakers from the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Halk TV and other outlets reported. The case was adjourned to June 16. 

The mayor, who is also the main opposition challenger …