The village of Ortanca in Ipekyolu district of Van was quarantined on 5 May after the increase in the number of coronavirus cases following the putting up of a condolence tent last week.

It was established that the condolence tent had become a focus of transmission and 84 people proved positive, while in the city center 356 cases were reported.

Those who set up condolence tent in the village of Ortanca are part of a group which, although banned, meets under the name of 'Tevhid Magazine' in Van and openly say to be pro-ISIS.

These people who have been operating in Van for many years set up a condolence tent thus helping the coronavirus to spread to the city.

The group is known for having attacked people with sticks and axes in Van many times in the past years. It is known that these groups operate especially in Van city center and the Erciş district. Images of these groups with sticks in their hands had previously been published in the press.

Who gave permission to set up the condolences tent?

Six public officials were investigated after the recent news, with police and governorship remaining silent. In a written statement issued today, Van Governorate said that the virus had spread from the condolence tent put up in Ortanca.

It is not clear who authorised the opening of the condolence tent as it is forbidden to set up such gathering places during the pandemic.

A person who lives in the village and does not want to be named said that the banned group recently came to their village claiming to be there for delivering aid.

Apparently the condolence tent was put up for person who died last week and was said to be close to this group.