TURKISH fascists linked to the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which forms part of the ruling coalition government, have threatened to dig up the grave of Grup Yorum bassist Ibrahim Gokcek, who was finally laid to rest on Saturday.

A mob of the Kayseri branch of the notorious Grey Wolves blocked the funeral convoy carrying Mr Gokcek’s body, insisting they would not let the musician’s body be buried in their neighbourhood.

“Even if they bury him, we will take his body out [from the grave] and burn him,” one of the crowd said.

The mob gathered there after leader of the Kayseri Grey Wolves Serdar Tuyan issued a threat on social media encouraging supporters to stop the funeral.

“If they attempt to undertake such an action, their heads will not be on their bodies. No-one should doubt that Turks’ fist will come down on them like a sledgehammer,” he said.

MHP MP for Kayseri Baki Ersoy spoke to the fascist gathering, bringing greetings from the local governor who he said he “salutes everyone.” 

He told the crowds that Mr Gokcek’s body would not be buried in their neighbourhood. “There will be a burial place, but it will not be Basakpinar,” he said.

Mr Gokcek died on Thursday, two days after pausing a hunger strike for the right to play music and for the release of Grup Yorum members from prison where they are held on trumped-up terrorism charges.

In a sickening attack, police raided the Alevi religious centre in the Gazi district of Istanbul, firing tear gas and rubber bullets as they stole Mr Gokcek’s dead body to prevent a funeral taking place.

At least 27 people were detained in the police operation, with many detailing extensive torture while they were held in custody. 

The People’s Law Office called for the release of its lawyers Didem Baydar Unsal, Seda Saraldi and Doga Inescu, who were still being held when the Star went to print yesterday.

Turkish security services took Mr Gokcek’s body from Istanbul on the 12-hour drive to Kayseri in central Anatolia for the funeral. 

His elderly parents were blocked for 45 minutes, unable to travel with their son, sparking fears that the burial would take place without them.

The funeral eventually took place under armed guard at the Halep Hoca cemetery on Saturday morning. Mr Gokcek’s wife Sultan was allowed out of prison to attend.

The Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) condemned the attack and demanded an immediate apology for the family and the Alevi community.