While it is unlikely that the NIA would risk barring the best known of these, such as the Dalai Lama and Kadeer, from entering Taiwan, others may have a hard time given the NIA’s conduct to date — even if the allegations are as unconvincing as those against Isa.
“But why would I attack Taiwan?” Isa wondered over the phone. “Taiwanese NGOs and Uighur NGOs work together. We view Taiwan as a model of democracy and learn a lot from it ... Taiwan has given us big moral support.”
Next Magazine’s “sources” say Uighur activists may be angry because of cross-strait detente and because of a visit by Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu (陳菊) to China in May to promote the World Games.
Isa’s response? “I’ve never heard of this person Chen Chu.”
Sounding thoroughly frustrated, he added: “What if I do need to come to Taiwan now for some reason? Does this mean they won’t let me in?”
Celia Llopis-Jepsen is a writer based in Taipei.
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