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Teddy bear teacher appears in court as Islamic fanatics demand execution
Last updated at 13:37pm on 29.11.07
African dream: Mrs Gibbons pictured soon after arriving in Sudan
A major security operation was under way today as a British teacher charged with inciting hatred and insulting religion was brought before a court in Sudan.
Trucks protected by armed police transported Gillian Gibbons from her cell at the CID headquarters in Khartoum where she had been kept in custody following her arrest on Sunday for allowing pupils to name a school teddy bear Mohammed.
Security was also tight at the city's court building as fears that extremists might stage a kidnap attempt ran high.
Mrs Gibbons, looking tired and distressed and wearing a dark blue jacket and blue dress, was not handcuffed.
Reports have suggested she could learn her fate by 5pm today.
Before the hearing began the public and press were cleared from the court room but only moments later the case was adjourned for two hours.
The prosecutor-general said Mrs Gibbons, whose case has drawn international condemnation, can expect a swift and fair trial under Sudanese law.
Mrs Gibbons faces 40 lashes and a year in jail after after being charged with insulting Islam. Reports today suggested the complaint against her had been made by a secretary at the school.
She was charged after behind-the-scenes political moves to avoid a court case collapsed amid growing Islamic anger in the east African country.
A Sudanese official said it was "unlikely" that Mrs Gibbons would be convicted.
A powerful Sudanese newspaper urged authorities to call a hardline Islamist leader linked to Osama bin Laden to give evidence at her trial, to stress how offensive the case was to Muslims.
Extreme Islamic groups said Mrs Gibbons "must die" and urged Muslims to hold street protests after prayers tomorrow.
The Muslim Council of Britain said it was "appalled" at the decision by Sudan.
Legal sources in Khartoum said it is possible the case could be dealt with in a single hearing.
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Kidnap threat: Security was heavy outside the courthouse where Mrs Gibbons appeared today
The Sudanese ambassador, Omer Mohamed Ahmed Siddig, leaves the Foreign Office in London today after meeting with David Miliband
One lawyer said that if Mrs Gibbons pleads guilty and makes profuse apologies, she could emerge with a "relatively minor penalty", such as a hefty fine or a jail term equivalent to the four days she has already spent in custody.
But he warned that rising anger in Sudan, as news of the case spread, might affect the court's decision.
Yesterday, Mrs Gibbons met British consular officials in the jailhouse where she is being held. She looked tired and pale as she was escorted across the dusty courtyard with a blanket around her shoulders.
Mrs Gibbons, a former deputy head in Liverpool, moved to Khartoum in August to fulfil her dream of teaching abroad after her marriage broke down last year.
The mother of two grown-up children was arrested on Sunday after parents were said to have complained she had insulted Islam's prophet by naming a teddy bear Mohammed as part of a class project.
However, a boy of seven came forward on Tuesday to say it was "all his fault", as he and his classmates at the Unity High School had voted to call the bear Mohammed after his own name.
He insisted his teacher had not intended to insult Islam.
Mrs Gibbons technically faces three charges - insulting Islam, inciting religious hatred and contempt for religious beliefs - each of which carries a maximum penalty of 40 lashes and a year in jail. But it is believed she will stand trial on only one.
Abdul Daem Zumrawi, the Justice Ministry's undersecretary, said: "What will be applied is at the discretionary power of the judge."
Mrs Gibbons's former husband, Peter Gibbons, 54, said last night that he and their children Jessica, 27, and John, 25, had been horrified at the news that she had been charged.
"The children are not coping very well, they are upset," he said. "We are praying and relying on the Foreign Office and the embassy out there.
"My son is waiting on advice from the embassy to see if it's possible to go over there.
"Gillian is an innocent in all this, she would not want to cause offence to anybody."
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Prison: Miss Gibbons face 40 lashes and a year in jail
One of Khartoum's biggest papers, the pro-government Akhir Lahza - Last Moment - said Hassan Al Turabi, once seen as the Islamic ideologue behind the government, should be called as an expert witness in the case to stress how offensive the teacher's action had been.
The religious and Islamist political leader is thought to have been instrumental in institutionalising Sharia law in the north of the country.
He personally invited Osama bin Laden to Sudan and the Al Qaeda leader based his operations there from around 1990 to 1996.
The newspaper's editor-in-chief also called for politicians to avoid meddling in religious affairs and not to argue that Sudanese foreign relations would be affected.
At the same time, Sudanese legal scholars warned that an increase in rhetoric would make it difficult for a deal to be done quietly behind the scenes.
Professor Eltyeb Hag Ateya, director of Khartoum University's peace research institute, said Sudanese president Umar al-Bashir would not want to be seen to back down in the face of Western pressure.
"One of main criticisms of the government is that they are giving too much away to foreigners," he said.
"If imams at Friday prayers turn this into a much bigger thing, then no one will listen to the facts."
Sudan's legal system is based on laws introduced during British colonial rule, but aspects of Sharia law were incorporated in 1991.
Sudanese reaction to the case had been muted until yesterday, when demonstrations took place at one of Khartoum's student campuses.
Speakers took turns to denounce Mrs Gibbons, brandishing a newspaper bearing her photograph. A stateinment circulated by members of the Muslim Brotherhood - a multinational Sunni Islamist movement and the world's most influential political Islamist group - also condemned her actions.
"We want to express our boiling anger and deep sorrow about this case caused by this British teacher," it said.
"We want to tell you that the majority of Sudanese are Muslims so we love our Prophet Mohammed so much and we decry this careless way of dealing with our beloved Prophet."
One of its authors, 27-year- old Elsheikh El Nour, added: "If she made an innocent mistake and did not mean Mohammed the Prophet (when naming the bear) there is no problem.
"But if she did mean Mohammed the Prophet, she must die."
Leaflets distributed outside Khartoum's Great Mosque urged Muslims to march tomorrow in protest at Mrs Gibbons' actions.
They condemned what they described as "flagrant aggression" against the Prophet Mohammed and asked imams to address the subject Friday prayers.
The leaflets added: "What has been done by this infidel lady is considered a matter of contempt and an insult to Muslims' feelings and also the pollution of children's mentality as an attempt to wipe their identity."
The Muslim Council of Britain was furious at the decision to charge Mrs Gibbons.
"This is disgraceful and defies common sense," said Secretary-General Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari. "There was clearly no intention on the part of the teacher to deliberately insult the Islamic faith.
"The children in Mrs Gibbons's class and their parents have all testified as to her innocence in this matter. We call upon the Sudanese President, Umar al-Bashir, to intervene in this case without delay to ensure that Mrs Gibbons is freed from this quite shameful ordeal."
Reader views (41)
Why is it offensive to give this name to a toy but not offensive to give it to a human being?
This is another example of the extremist way of dealing with differences that the Islamic religion takes. It is out of sheer ignorance or intolerance of others. I am not sure which.
The time has come to remove all support from these barbaric countries until they can show that they are worthy of integrating into the 21st century and receiving the support of civilized nations.
But after we have poured our monies, time, and education into these third world countries, they will rise up and turn against us. It always happens. Look at history.
- Hannah, Dallas, Texas, USA
Her plight is her own fault - for having the temerity to be a 'Westerner', and worse yet, a woman.
- Alice, Atlanta, GA USA
The Muslims of Sudan may take offense to the actions of Mrs. Gibbons, but the world takes offense to the actions of these Muslims.
The rational people of Islam need to wake up and publically denounce those Muslims that condone such intolerance, violence and stupid fanatacism.
- Walter, Columbia, SC
I don't know why this is so troubling? I think we need to respect other religions and remember Islam is a religion of peace.
- Anon, Santa Cruz
"...all the religions are just as violent, Christianity especially..."
Let's not confuse Christianity with Catholicism.
- Dch, CT, USA
When are we going to wake up and fight?
What ever happened to Britannia rules the waves? Didn't we once bring our system of justice to the world because of this sort of idiocy occurs on a daily basis. Have we any sense of purpose remaining?
Sadly, there's no England now...
- Nineinch, London, UK
Disgusting.
Are you aware how much we give to Sudan in aid each year?
If the courts do find her guilty I hope every muslim in this country hangs their head in shame at a so called religion that can treat a middle aged kind hearted woman whose only crime was helping the children of Sudan.
And Muslims wonder why its faith is becoming unliked by a large majority of the British population.
- Roberta, London
This is actually not such a big matter, it just got blown out of proportion.
Clearly this is an innocent mistake. I think the sudanese gov is too paranoid and this sounds more like a political issue than a religious issue.
This woman should be released and this incident only devalues the Islamic religion further with its violence to threaten to "kill her".
Go educate yourself about forgiveness.
- Benita, Malaysia
The 'religion of peace' strikes again.
- Johanthan P Jansky, Corpus Christi, Texas
Send in the SAS.
- John, Birmingham
Can you imagine a Christian-type government that would do such a thing?
- Soonerjj, Norman, OK
"However bad the actions of violence that Islam brings against people, all the religions are just as violent, Christianity especially, let's not get this twisted."
Laugh out loud. Yeah, we're all scared of the vicar. And a bunch of men coming from a Bible study on a rainy night can make your heart pound.
- Margaret, Los Angeles
At what point can we stop being politically correct about certain elements of Islam. Sure people make the argument that Christianity has had its bad points (i.e. the Inquisition and killing abortion doctors), but the relative insanity of what does not appear to be just a few loons, but a vast number of people of this religion is astounding. I am sorry, but statistically, this religion has per capita more people like this than any other religion. There has to be some reason for it and it cannot all be blamed on US and British foreign policy.
- Jim, NY, USA
So, as I understand it, there is Muslim law against representing Mohammad in any form other than the Prophet. So how come Muslims can name their children Mohammed then? Does that mean, every parent in the Sudan, who has named their child Mohammed, will now be thrown in jail and lashed... I mean, either you can use the name Mohammed or you can't.
- Anon, London
The foreign office should be more thorough in the advice they give to visitors who are seeking employment in countries such as Sudan.
Most certainly a middle aged divorced woman on her own in the current state that the Sudan is in is not a good idea.
It is amazing that the rich of Khartoum want to embrace our culture by adopting an English styled education for their children, yet feel watchful and affronted by any little sign of westernisation that doesn't suit them. No doubt they will turn up to school in the best cars ever with their little darlings and wear European clothes etc,there in lies a big however!
- Maggie Snook, Wareham, Dorset
What a ridiculous fuss over nothing! The idiot who complained about this should be ashamed of themselves, causing so much misery and pain on a human being.
- Natty, London
Stop all aid to Sudan/Darfur at once.
- Squiz, Islington
It seems that the child and his classmates have more honor and common sense than the authorities. They seem to clearly understand the basic tenets of Islam in a far more mature fashion than the "adults".
- Janelle H, Port St Lucie, Fl
What's the person who filed the complaint got to say for him/herself? Troublemaker and spinless person springs to mind.
- Helen, London
How many times have we been told that 'Islam is a tolerant religion'? This proves it right?
- Dan, Manchester
The world is full of lunatics. If it weren't so tragic, you could almost laugh at the arrogance and foolishness of man.
How anyone can believe that we were made by a higher being when we are obvisouly so critically and fundamentally flawed is beyond me.
- Spike, Buckinghamshire
I've just heard David Milliband has got involved, god help Gill now!
- Steve Day, London
Daveb, Christianity has indeed been responsible for horrible acts in the past, mainly during the crusades, however I do not think that the two religions are comparable with respect to modern day conduct.
Do not mistake me for a religious person as I am not, but I do understand the religions, and as such feel strongly that they themselves cause most of the conflict in this world. Why is it we have to sit back and allow these acts of lunacy to continue just because of the word religion! Let's face it, no one knows who is right or wrong in the religious debate so why can't people simply agree to disagree.
- Daniel, London
So, if I were a teacher in Ireland and called a teddy bear, Paddy... or in Wales, Dafyd or... shall I go on?
Ludicrous. Blimey, Sudan is getting nearly as bad as the UK for stupid rules and regulations.
- Sandra, London
"However bad the actions of violence that Islam brings against people, all the religions are just as violent, Christianity especially, let's not get this twisted."
Yes that's right daveb, except unlike Islam, Christians left that back where it belonged hundreds of years ago. Islam unfortunately are still living in these medieval times.
- Mike P, Ottery St. Mary, UK
You couldn't make this up. So according to 27-year- old Elsheikh El Nour, if she named the bear Mohammed there's no problem, but if she named the bear MOHAMMED, she must die. Heaven's above, they're living in the dark ages.
- Isabel, Woking, England
Bravo, the seven-year-old boy for demonstrating such a manly courage to come forward in a bid to rescue the innocent teacher! The way the Sudanese are behaving is totally against the spirit and teachings of Islam. The British government and the Muslim Council of Britain have a far bigger responsibility on their shoulders to save the teacher from this quite shameful ordeal, in whatever forceful way, on urgent/immediate basis. God forbid, her dream of teaching abroad turns into a nightmare! My thoughts, my prayers and my best wishes are with Mrs Gibbons!
- Nadeem Asghar, London, UK.
It is possible to make a number of educated guesses as to where this is going -frenzy of protest, demands for official apologies, demands for execution, burning flags, etc - but one thing is sure about where it will end: the line between common sense and the offending of religious sensibilities will be further blurred in the name of political correctness.
Our dear friend Mr Bari of the MCB has already scored his points: By expressing outrage at the decision to press charges he aligns himself with the majority of British opinion. And by ruling out intent on the part of Ms Gibbons he established the fact that something as trivial as naming a toy is nevertheless a legitimate cause of offence in Islam.
Anyone who genuinely thinks that this kind of incident warrants the kind of reaction it has, let alone the death penalty, is deserving of loud, public, immoderate scorn and derision - regardless of his religion or nationality.
- George, London, UK
My children (who came from England last year) attend the school; it is all a big misunderstanding. Mrs. Gibbons didn't mean any of it and the matter has been exaggerated.
All the parents I know are very supportive of Mrs. Gibbons and the school which maintains a positive and multi-cultural environment and celebrate all Muslim events. The school has never been negative about Islam or Islamic views.
None of the parents has complained about this since September. Only one person complained directly to the Ministry of Education.
The school staff is very open-minded and approachable and the person who filed the complaints should have had the decency to approach them first. The matter could have easily been solved within the school.
- Rihab Mohamed, Khartoum , Sudan
I am a year 7, British-born, Muslim student in Unity High. I am completely and utterly disgusted. Mrs. Gillian is extremely caring and she wouldn’t do anything to insult anyone or any religion on purpose. If a teddy can’t be called Muhammad then kids shouldn’t be called Muhammad either. If Mrs. Gillian gets punished, then every parent of a child called Muhammad should be punished too!
The name was chosen because it was popular like how James is in England. Not because anyone meant it as an insult to any human being or religion.
All students I know are extremely annoyed and worried that the school will be shut down forever. We were meant to have tests after next week, and when we get back in school we will have missed a whole month of education, which could damage our grades.
The school and its teachers/students (especially Mrs. Gillian) have done noting wrong to deserve this harsh treatment. I think that Unity High School is the best school in the country. I hope this whole problem will be sorted out without anyone being hurt.
- Basil Anwar, Khartoum, Sudan
The treatment of this woman is outrageous. The time has come to remove all support from these barbaric countries until they can show that they are worthy of integrating into the 21st century and receiving the support of civilised nations.
- Casper, London, England
Teaching is one of the noblest professions and Mrs Gibbson, without any doubt, had left her own country for such a noble cause as imparting education and enlightment to the children of an Islamic country. I sincerely pray for her well-being and her safe and early exit from the situation she's in. I'm sure the lady had no bad intentions at all, whatsoever. Without casting any doubt on Mrs Gibbson's person, I would, in general, suggest that in today's world of religion-based divides, all who opt for a job overseas, must be highly cautious of religious, social, cultural and ethnic values of the country they intend to move to. Take my words, this is very important - especially when it comes to a country like Sudan! Once again, my thoughts and prayers are with the poor teacher.
- Nadeem Asghar, London, UK.
And Sudanese get treated better in the UK.
- Georgie, Islington, London
Why is it offensive to give this name to a toy but not offensive to give it to a human being?
- Suzanne, London
Viewed from here, it does seem a little odd, to say the least, that there seems so much concern by the Sudanese authorities over the naming of a teddy and so little over the plight of their fellow citizens in Darfur.
- Hughie, Surrey, UK
However bad the actions of violence that Islam brings against people, all the religions are just as violent, Christianity especially, let's not get this twisted.
- Daveb, London
"police station had been surrounded by a mob baying for Gillian's blood". What a lovely image of modern day Islam!
I can understand that people take religion very seriously but the whole concept of religion, no matter which one, is peace. Why is it all so often seen that if anyone steps on the toes of religion effigies are burned and death to the infidel is chanted. If these people are truly religious then they should not be using threats and brute force.
In my opinion the leaders of these religions should take a more active stance in controlling the populous so that people do not make up their own interpretations of the scriptures and act in the way we see today all too often.
All in all I am disgusted with how this lady is being treated and she should be allowed to leave not only prison but also the country and do her good deeds for the future generation in a more civilised and educated nation.
- Daniel, London
This is a horrific story and i sincerely hope that common sense prevails. Having lived in the middle east (Bahrain) for many years I can assure you that this is not what I have come to expect in an Islamic country. I urge Mrs Gibbons to move to the beautiful and tolerant island Kingdom of Bahrain where there is a host of opportunity for British teachers and a warm welcome from the peace loving people who live there.
- Marsha, Manama Bahrain
Sadly this is just what causes so much anti-muslim feeling in the free world. Some groups go round making threats to all who they think insult them, despite the fact that their own practices are totally obnoxious to the majority.
- Blind Pugh, Addlestone, UK
Go and help a third world country and end up getting lashed 40 times and spend 10 years in jail - bargain.
Oh and here why not have some more millions in aid donations.
- Frank, Home Counties, England
We (myself and my wife) have been very concerned since we learned of the situation regarding Gill (Gibbons) who is a friend. We hope that the situation will quickly resolve and our thoughts are with Gill and her family. We firmly believe that Gill would not have wished to offer any insult to Islam or any other faith. We know her as a kind person and a dedicated teacher who's only wish would be to help the children she was teaching to develop their educational ability.
We urge the authorities in Sudan to consider that Gill would not have intended any to insult Islam and is a very respectful towards the beliefs of others.
- Keith Rycroft, Chester UK
