The Hague, 16 September 2009

Dear MEP,

Re: Detention of Mr. Dolkun Isa (Secretary General, World Uyghur Congress)

It is with urgency that I must inform you of the detention of Mr. Dolkun Isa by the domestic security forces of South Korea upon his arrival in the country to attend the World Forum for Democratization in Asia (WFDA) in Seoul.

According to information received by UNPO, Mr. Isa's detention is based on groundless Chinese accusations that he was in some way involved in the unrest that swept East Turkestan in July 2009.  Mr. Isa has already been questioned for a number of hours in Seoul and is deeply concerned by apparent attempts by the Chinese authorities to secure his extradition to the People’s Republic of China.

Following years of intimidation in China on account of his work for the World Uyghur Congress, Mr. Isa was forced to seek asylum in Europe and now holds German citizenship.  If extradited, Mr. Isa is certain to face a summary trial and execution on account of his advocacy work for the World Uyghur Congress. 

UNPO is appealing to the South Korean authorities to ensure Mr. Isa’s safety and to reject any attempts by Chinese authorities to extradite him but we would urge you to engage the European Parliament and make the South Korean authorities aware of the high level of international concern regarding Mr. Isa’s detention.

Yours sincerely,

Marino Busdachin
General Secretary