US calls British teacher verdict in Sudan “outrageous”
November 29, 2007 (WASHINGTON) — The U.S., backing its staunch ally the U.K., branded as “outrageous” the jail sentence of a British teacher in Sudan who let pupils call a teddy bear “Muhammad” as part of a class project.
“We stand with our U.K. allies in trying to make sure that this woman is protected from the court that says that they want to impose this sentence on her,” said Perino.
“Anyone looking at this on its face would have to conclude that it was outrageous.”
Gibbons had faced the possibility of jail, flogging and a fine in the case that threatened a diplomatic dispute with the U.K. The 15-day sentence will run from the time of her arrest on Sunday, the source said.
Perino said U.S. President George W. Bush wasn’t intervening in the situation, and added that “the British are handling that on their own.”
The teddy bear case comes against a background of diplomatic tension between Sudan and the West over the crisis in violence wracked Darfur province.
(AFP)
Mohamed Elfaki (Deraij)
US calls British teacher verdict in Sudan “outrageous”
I hope this extremely outrageous incident becomes an eye-opener for the “International Community” to recognize the kinds of mis-government and in-justice that prevail in this miserable country.
This is the same “system” which claims that it is qualified enough to deal with the cases of war crimes in Darfur.
Deraij
Kur
US calls British teacher verdict in Sudan “outrageous”
This an indication that how primitive is the form of Islamic laws being used in Sudan. It is outrageous and savage for any sensible mind to jail someone for allowing children to name a teddy bear, Muhammad. After all who is Muhammad? He is a prophet according to what I know so far. So why people are so sensitive when someone speaks about Muhammad? There are so many religions in this world that are being critiqued eachday and no one seems to care. However, the teacher in question never initiated the naming of teddy bear, Muhammad but the children chose that name out of their own curiousity. Hence, what is so special about Islam and Muhammad? I think Islam is a pagan religion that supports violence and there is a pure lack of common sense in this kind of faith.
The British teacher did nothing wrong and she must be released unconditionally.