Shops in Yüksekova did not open this morning as preparations continue for the funeral of 25 years old Bemal Tokçu who died on Wednesday after he was severely wounded by a bullet fired which hit him on the head during the crackdown police staged on people in Gever, Hakkari's Yüksekova district last Saturday. Police brutally attacked thousands who were joining the funeral of Reşit İşbilir (35) and Veysel İşbilir (34) who were shot dead by Turkish police during a demo in the district on 6 December.

Three buses of riot police and many armoured vehicles have arrived in Yüksekova from Van and Hakkari early in the morning.

Due to heavy snowfall the burial will take place at the cemetery in Orman neighbourhood, which is close to a mosque, rather than the cemetery in Akalın (Bajirge), as originally planned.

The heavy snow has also prevented mourners from reaching the town from neighbouring provinces, districts and villages.

Prior to the funeral special police forces and armoured vehicles brought in from Van and Hakkari are patrolling all roads that are open in Yüksekova.