The International Association of Judges is expressing its regret and support
for Taiwan after six of its representatives were unable to attend the group's
annual meeting in Azerbaijan earlier this month.

Taiwan's delegation to the event was unable to travel to the country after
their visas were denied.

The Judges Association says it had planned to send six delegates to the
I-A-J's 67th annual meeting in Baku, but none of the representatives received
entry permits or formal rejection notices ..

... despite assurances from the host organization that visa-on-arrival
arrangements would be made.

Five members canceled their trip after failing to obtain documentation, while
delegation head High Court Judge Lin Yi-lun traveled to Azerbaijan, but was
denied entry at the border.

The Judges Association describes the incident as a violation of members'
rights to full participation and inconsistent with the I-A-J's principles of
judicial independence, equality and cooperation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said Azerbaijan cited the "one China
principle" as a pretext to deny Taiwan's delegation entry.