Relief: Gillian Gibbons with her children John and Jessica

Hugs: John and Jessica put their arms round their mother

Meetings: Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, right, and Lord Nazir Ahmed travelled to Khartoum to lobby for Miss Gibbons' release

Talks: Baroness Warsi and Lord Ahmed with Sudanese president Omar al-Basir

Pardon: Sudanese president Omar al-Basir at a news conference today

Delighted: Miss GIbbons' son John

Armed: Protesters carrying swords demand Mrs Gibbons' execution by shouting : 'kill her!'

Fury: A mob of thousands are angry because over Mrs Gibbons' 'lenient' sentence

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This woman was stupid and reckless in the Sudan. Anyone going out there has to know that the number one rule is that you do nothing that might in any way insult or compromise the name of the prophet Mohammed. NOTHING. She has caused an international incident by her gross stupidity. By her own admission she went out there to have an adventure, not as an act of altruism. I'd like to know the background of this woman. I doubt she has had a life filled with successes.

- Colin Foremile, UK

Blessing to the lovely teacher and shame on the Sudanese armed mobs who called for her death!
We must, however, be very rational in our mental approach and clear in our thinking as to whether it's a case of 'the Sudanese Muslims v/s a non-Muslim' or, else, 'the Muslim/Islam (as a whole) v/s a non-Muslim'. I for one would simply suggest that we do find good as well as bad followers of respective religious, social and cultural values in every society and country. However, percentage of the two groups varies from society to society and region to region depending upon a vast range of factors. At home, every now and then one comes across horrifying media reports on ever-rising crimes (especially murders) even in such a, supposedly, civilized society as British, wherein the offenders (regardless of their number, gender and age) are not, essentially, the Muslim! Would it, therefore, be fair to hastily generalize that 'all non-Muslims' are criminals? No! Not at all! If so, then why should Islam or the Muslim (as a whole) should invariablly be singled-out without giving a second thought? Why should the good Muslim in majority should be left to suffer, in terms of general reputation, because of misdeeds of a handful of the bad, the ignorant and the mindless?

- Nadeem Asghar, London, UK.

Does this misguided woman have any idea how much taxpayers' money has been spent on her case? Instead of thanking all the people who have worked and spoken on her behalf, she has thanked the people who imprisoned her 'for being so kind to her'. And here we were worrying that she may be beheaded or shot. Why did we bother? I thought she had gone there to help children, now she tells us she wanted 'an adventure'. Well, she can try Mugabe's Zimbabwe or Burma next, but she should not expect anybody to go to her rescue.

- Beatriz, London

A completely stupid and naive woman. I am fed up of these type of people going to anti-western muslim countries with repressive regimes and then expecting to be rescued from their stupidity. Does this so called ordinary teacher not read the press or watch TV? It has been clear for several years that Sudan is a country at war and the government have been practising genocide against the poor Darfurians. Yet Gibbons decides to go to work in Sudan on some naive adventure.
The British taxpayer has to foot the bill for this stupid person who then tries to recruit more teachers to go to Sudan in her place.

- Richard K, Nottingham

I think some good Muslim school should step in and offer the lady a first class job. It would at the least give them some good publicity to make up for all the embarrasment the Sudanese have caused.

- Priya, London

What a dozy woman. We wouldn't be impressed if Muslims here called their teddy bears Jesus Christ. It's their country and their laws. She could have gone anywhere in the world. If its decided in Sudan that she should get 40 lashes then that's what she should have got.

- Scott, London, UK

For someone described as well travelled and a good teacher, this women was incredibly naive. Who was responsible for her in-country induction?

Let's hope she has her passport withdrawn so that her "adventures" can be limited to Merseyside in future.

- Mark Potter, London, UK

We never look at the good side of Muslims, at least she mentioned she was treated kindly and WAS NOT Hurt, the people were very generous. If this was a Muslim they probably would've been taken to Guantanamo or Belmarsh and God knows tortured and accused of so many other things with false accusations!

This is the truth which everyone knows.

- Mark, London

If this was a Muslim the England Media would've made it into a big issue and said things like this Muslim is 'inciting religious hatred' and the Britsh Government would give that person prison sentence, because it was a non-Muslim the media is just turning the whole story around.

- Adam, London

"Teddy bears are named after Edward Roosevelt "

Actually, they're named after Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, who was the 26th President of the United States. You might want to read up on him. We could use a few more leaders with Roosevelt's courage.

- Steven, Houston, Texas

As a Muslim I am greatly embarrassed by the actions of the Muslims in the Sudan. What name do they expect children to name their teddy other then someone they respect and admire? Muslims need to calm down and stop reacting to every little thing they feel is offensive. We want to kill someone who allowed children to name a teddy bear Muhammad. They did not call the bear Prophet Muhammad, only the name Muhammad. The Prophet sas, did not kill people who did much worse directly to him, you do him more disgrace by rallying to kill a woman who did something that was not actually offensive and who did not mean to cause offense.

- Shuaiyb, Philadelphia, USA

Ah, yes. The religion of peace.

- Frank, Arizona, USA

Who doesn't love that religion of peace?

- Billyd, FL USA

Mrs. Gibbons,

The report about your "adventure" appearing today in "thisislondon.co.uk reports that you "praised the people of Sudan, stressing that no one should be put off working there."

And that "She [you] even pointed out there was a vacancy for a teacher in her old job."

True. However, you should point out that there also is a vacancy in their jail, the vacancy that was created when they pardoned you.


Keep up the good work ... where they not only need you but also want you, in the UK and the USA,


- Alfred Riccomi, Richardson, Texas, USA

I hope this kind lady gets many excellent job offers!

- Chris, Virginia, USA

I hope this incident gives pause to those considering such "adventures" in places like Sudan. For a teacher, this woman's common sense index seems low. While I admire her spirit and strength through this ordeal, I can't help but wonder why someone would seek a job in such a religiously-extremist, unstable and dangerous place as Khartoum.

- Ron Wolf, Saint Augustine, Florida, USA

Yes, the people of Sudan are wonderful peaceful people and everyone should volunteer to take over Ms. Gibbons' teaching post. I'm sure nothing like this will happen again. Darfur? Isn't that a resort town on the coast? Maybe we could send our college students there to make a bit of lolly at school break.

- Nevermore, Los Angeles, USA

The sad part of this harrowing tale is medieval religious leaders enflaming the rabble with their personal agenda to keep the people ignorant and subservient. They spawn hated and intolerance to keep their place at the expense of the poor.

- Rick, Arlington, Texas, USA

This whole episode is a joke. Since the Sudanese are too uneducated to be embarrassed for their country or their religion, I am embarrassed for them. What if they had executed the teacher (who didn't name the bear in the first place?). How would this have served anyone?

- Lucy, Detroit, USA

Thank God she's back home safe and sound. I wish Mrs Gibbons all success in her future endeavours. Just look at her greatness! Although utter verbal hostility and disrespect had been openly exhibited towards her by a vast section of Sudanese public, yet the good lady is, generously, speaking high about Sudan and the Sudanese people. True quality of a dedicated, loving and caring teacher!

P.S: You are absolutely right, Stuart (London). Whatever has happened there ' is not a true reflection of modern Islam!'
And Brandon Thomas (London) may like to see the ' true side of Islam' in the persons of Lord Ahmed and Baroness Warsi; the whole world has very well seen collective personal efforts of these two Muslims in successfully defusing the situation, despite their own political rivalry at home. So. Let's generalize it this way, Brandon Thomas! Bad people and good people are found in every religion and society! Isn't it?

- Nadeem Asghar, London, UK.

Doesn't sound like she really understands that she offended them. I'm not sure anyone knows why they were offended. Crazy people just looking for a fight because they have nothing better to do.

- Ed B, UK

No loving God would ever want any harm to be thrust upon us for such trivial matters such as this. Tolerance must be tought in the home and school and even our temples ,churches and Mosques. Peace and love to all of you ,whatever your religious attachment. Open minds, Open hearts!

- Fred Gazzo, Des Moines Iowa. Usa

"I wouldn't like to put anyone off going to Sudan."

Yes, a country where allowing a teddy bear to be misnamed could result in a lashing, prison term and armed mobs roaming the streets calling for your death sounds quite lovely, I'm sure.

- Clint, Los Angeles

Teddy bears are named after Theodore Roosevelt hence the name "Teddy".

- James, Florida, USA

Has anyone noticed how many times she said she's "sorry" for offending followers of Islam? Shame on her, and shame on anyone buying into this politically correct bit. The problem here is not that someone inadvertently offended Islam; the problem here is that Islam is offended by this at all. This is the modern world, people. In modern society, where we all have to live with each other, we have to understand that not everyone believes the same things. We must learn to tolerate each other's beliefs. But wait: how naive of me! Some followers of Islam have no tolerance.

- Anon, Burlingame, USA

Why was it wrong for having the kids name the teddy bear Mohammed but they can name their children Mohammed?

- Neil, United States

Religion of Peace...?

- Jjames, Cincinnati, US

I think anyone going to visit or work in another country should be familiar with the laws, rules and customs of that country so as not to offend. If one can't follow the dictates one should stay home.

- Lavonne Mottaz, USA

It is sad when someone is so kind to help children and the people in that country have such hate that they call for her death.
After researching the amount of money that the UK and other countries give to Sudan, maybe some of that money needs to go to "sensitivity training" of their radical residents so they would comprehend tolerance. What an upside-down backward world it can be.

- Nan, Florida, US

This lady is very gracious for having been treated very badly. Good for her - Sudanese people: learn from her how to behave like modern citizens instead if imbeciles.

- Joe, Berkeley, CA.

What really strikes me is the fact that these people are getting financial backing and humanitarian help, take a look, all the photos show some awfully nice clothing, watches, bracelets, expensive looking eyewear, their presidents office is full of very nice costly items etc... not to mention the cost of those weapons they brandish in the air. The whole situation was and still is just WRONG! I bet she will get no apology, even though it was not her fault! Seems maybe they need to teach their adult population instead, seems they have no reasoning skills at all, all except the people who helped get her out of there. There is no religion that should tolerate animalistic actions in their members, after all we are all human and bound to make mistakes. I feel pity, not anger for those that called for her death, it is a shame!
Blessing to the teacher! Good luck!

- Telegal, USA

There is never anything mentioned about Mrs. Gibbons religous conviction, if she has any at all. One of my many problems with Islam, is that you are found guilty under their law no matter what, even if you are not part of that religion. How can they expect for a person to follow that law if they do not know nor understand it? I am glad to see Mrs. Gibbons returned safely to her home.

- Slickywoowoo, USA

Typical Liberal. The entire irrational population wanted her dead, yet she is "sad" to leave. Look at the picture, it is a few more than "some" people. Majority is more like it. It always is. They are carrying swords over a teddy bear!

- Andrew, Detroit, USA

A happy ending to a sad story. Ms. Gibbons looks like the type of person who wouldn't hurt an ant and it saddens me that she was treated the way she was and had chants of death used against her. I wish her the best of luck going forward and hope she quickly finds a job she loves - teaching.

- Matt, Buenos Aires, Argentina

What? I don't believe any of this. I have been told that Islam is a peaceful religion.

- John, New Jersey, USA

The problem is that the majority of the Muslim world is living in the middle ages. The clear-thinking and progressive practitioners of Islam are in the minority.

- Geno, USA

The arrest of this outstanding woman and teacher was absolutely preposterous. The Sudanese people should be ashamed for even arresting this woman, let alone the barbarism that walked the streets demanding that she be executed. It's sick... And, while I am very happy to learn of her release and safe return back home, the story serves as a very sad example of how countries ruled by religion can develop into a recipe for disaster. Enforcing state laws off religion is undemocratic, archaic, and a violation of basic human rights.

- Tim, Austin, TX

To S, Islam does not teach nor support the behaviour of the Sudanese. This is the work of ignorant people. Do not blame Islam as Islam does not profess this barbaric behaviour.

- Imran Mawji, London, England

After all the articles I've read what's happened to this woman, and worse that some Sudanese people have been baying for her execution, it's obvious Sudan doesn't deserve her. The simple fact that Sudan's leaders needed to be prodded to release her, rather than not arresting her in the first place - speaks volumes.

I hope she finds a wonderful job helping/teaching soon, and that she finds more adventures with people who are intelligent enough to see it and appreciate it.

- Jes, Texas, USA

Teddy bears are named after Edward Roosevelt - looks like they are destined to be named after people who are deemed as great men or not!

- Elizabeth Obisanya, Thamesmead, London

There is a lesson to be learnt here. In countries where there is a Muslim majority, there does seem to be a total lack of democracy and misery - hence their need to 'find a better life' in Europe in such massive numbers.

- Jane, London

When she applies for a teaching job in the UK will some "jobsworth" reject her because she now has a criminal record?

- Tony, London

Why wasn't the Sudan public after the heads of the pupils, as it was them who named the teddy bear, not the teacher?

- Brandon Thomas, London UK

The word is 'magnanimity'. What a delightful woman. Sudan's loss is our gain - but judging by their attitude they never deserved her in the first place. I wish her and her family a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

- Squiz, Islington

Sudan has lost a first class dedicated teacher.

- Haskey101, London SE1

The crowd's reaction is just what we've come to expect.

- Rob, San Francisco, CA, USA

It's good to learn that the lady's ordeal has, at last, come to an end on a positive note. It's also so very pleasant to see two rivals - Labour Lord Ahmed and Tory Baroness Warsi - joining hands for such a noble cause. The two Muslims have, for sure, been able to repair, to some extent, the damage caused by some senseless Muslims to the name of their religion. Secondly, they've also been able to save a situation which might otherwise turn very ugly. Their collective efforts must be appreciated by entire world.

- Nadeem Asghar, Londdon, UK.

Hassan - how refreshing to hear someone expressing some common sense about religious differences. Sounds like you would be welcome wherever you went!

- Shirley, London

Quelle surprise. Crash Gordon FINALLY has something to say on the matter ... where's he been for the last week, then?

- Marianne, SW France

This silly episode would never happen in Iran...but Iran has oil so we're much more likely to go to war with them over their leader's radical views and postering.

- Marc, Fulham

Let's not get over excited as some of the anti-Muslim comments on this forum have.

It is very easy to get an angry mob. Friday prayers plus an inflammatory Iman will easily get you you an angry crowd of a couple of hundred.

As on comment suggested I believe this is more to do with international politics and the Sudanese government trying to flex some international muscle.

This is not a true reflection of modern Islam!

- Stuart, London, UK

As she was being well looked after in prison she should have been left to serve out the sentence.
What now has happened is that we owe the Sudanese president a favour for no other reason other than political point scoring here. There can be no withdrawal of aid which no doubt gets spent on weapons, we are now beholden to the land of fanatics.

- Dereck, London

The only people that should be locked up are the cretinous thugs calling for the murder of Ms Gibbons. Once again, a vocal minority besmirches the good name of Islam.

- Mark, London

I believe she didn't intend to insult our religion or our prophet Mohammed and all it is about a culture misunderstanding and has nothing to do with the Islam. Personally, I did many mistakes in western countries while I've no idea that I'm doing wrong and mostly the people there have forgiven me for my ignorance.

- Hassan, Saudi Arabia

If we haven't already done so, we should cut off all financial aid to this country to persuade them to leave the dark ages.

- Lezli Taubler, London, UK

Oh no! Not another 'heroic' return to Heathrow -VIP lounge, interviews, the lot.

- Roy G, Solihull, England

The Sudanese government tried to use this as some sort political game, but instead got well out of their depth. This has caused great damage to Muslims in this country and has only reinforced the West's view that Islam is rooted in the middle ages.


What we should have done is simply withdrawn our aid money and cut diplomatic relations with the country.

- Frank, Home Counties, England

The whole world has seen the true side of Islam from these outrageous protests in Sudan.

- Brandon Thomas, London UK

If she wants to teach Muslims, why not do it in the UK?

- David James, Epping ,Essex, UK

I hope Ms Gibbons is handed over to British custody, I dread to think what might happen if any Sudanese are involved ...

- Marianne, SW France

It's quite marvellous to hear that, Sudanese authorities freed the lady without being mistreated.

- Gabriel B.Garang, Sydney,Australia

What kind of religion condemns people to death for the name they give a children's teddy bear? Sheesh...

- S, London

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