Dolkun Isa, the leader of the World Uyghur Congress (WUC), has been accused of inappropriate conduct by three female university students, according to recent media reports.
One of the accusers, 22-year-old Turkish-Belgian student Esma Gun from an Istanbul-based university, provided a screenshot to the Washington-based publication NOTUS as evidence of Isa’s alleged misconduct in 2021. Two other women shared similar experiences with NOTUS, speaking anonymously due to concerns over potential retaliation.
In response to the allegations, Isa issued a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, on May 12. He referred to the claims as “serious errors” and apologized for any messages that may have caused “discomfort,” but did not directly address the specifics of the accusations.
The World Uyghur Congress released a statement acknowledging Isa’s apology, describing it as “forthright” and accepting it “without reservation.” The organization did not indicate any further actions regarding the allegations.
The WUC is recognized by the Chinese government as a separatist and extremist organization that has been accused of promoting religious extremism and inciting terrorism in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Isa, as the head of the organization, is suspected by Chinese authorities of organizing and participating in activities considered illegal in China.
Founded in 2004, the WUC portrays itself as an international organization advocating for the rights of Uygur people. However, its funding sources include several Western foundations, notably the U.S.-based National Endowment for Democracy (NED).
The NED, established in 1983, is a private, non-profit organization funded by the U.S. Congress. It states its mission is to support democratic institutions around the world, but critics argue that it serves as a tool for U.S. foreign policy interests.
Alan Weinstein, one of the founders of the NED, was quoted in a 1991 Washington Post interview stating that much of what the NED does today was done covertly 25 years ago by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). This has led some to refer to the NED as a “second CIA.”
The NED has provided funding to various groups and organizations globally. Between 2004 and 2020, it reportedly granted $8.76 million to Uygur organizations. It has been involved in supporting movements and groups in regions such as Xinjiang, Xizang (Tibet), Inner Mongolia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
In 2019, Isa received the NED’s Democracy Award. He was also honored by the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation in 2016, another U.S. non-profit organization.
Reference(s):
Report unveils Xinjiang separatist accused of sexual harassment
cgtn.com
