Regarding the Oct. 10 article "Held despite acquittal, now barred from re-entry, woman slams legal system": Since the legal system in Japan has, by banning her from re-entering Japan for five years, punished Klaudia Zaberl for the crime of overstaying her visa, the Chiba District Court, Immigration, and the Tokyo High Court should also be held accountable.

Through Zaberl's detention, they not only effectively aided and abetted her in committing the crime of overstaying; they also failed to prevent her from committing said crime by not extending her visa for the duration of the court case.

If these authorities are not held accountable, Zaberl's ban should be rescinded and a clear apology given to her. Not trying to be cynical but considering Japan's track record, I won't be holding my breath.

adam harding