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Teddy teacher freed
03/12/2007 14:57 - (SA)
Khartoum - A British woman jailed in Sudan for insulting religion by giving a teddy bear the same name as Prophet Muhammad was released on Monday after being granted a presidential pardon.
A British embassy spokesperson said that Gillian Gibbons was in their custody after the pardon from Sudanese President Omar al-Beshir, but refused to give any further details on her precise location.
Omar Daair said: "We can confirm now she's in British embassy custody and our officials are with her."
Beshir signed her pardon earlier on Monday after meeting two British Muslim peers who flew to Khartoum on a mercy mission to petition for Gibbons's early release.
The mother-of-two was arrested eight days ago and sentenced to 15 days in prison on Thursday for insulting religion by allowing children at an English school to name a teddy bear Muhammad.
Britain welcomes Gibbons amnesty
Gibbons was to leave for Britain as soon as possible. The embassy refused to comment on her travel plans, but Lord Nizar Ahmed said that he hoped her departure would be "very soon".
Britain welcomed her amnesty as a victory for "common sense" after what it said had been an "innocent misunderstanding", as her children in Liverpool, northwest England, prepared to welcome her home.
Gibbons, 54, issued a statement voicing her great respect for Islam, apologies for any distress and regrets for not being able to stay in Sudan.
"She was pardoned thanks to the mediation of Lord Ahmed and Baroness Warsi," said presidential advisor Mahjoub Fadl Badri earlier as Beshir met the Muslim peers at the Republican Palace.
Gibbons had spent eight days in detention after parents at the exclusive Christian-run English school, where she taught complained that she allowed young children to name the bear Muhammad.
'I have enjoyed myself in Sudan'
Sudan enforced Islamic Sharia law in Khartoum, where alcohol was banned and most women dress modestly. For devout Muslims, any physical depiction of Muhammad was blasphemous and strictly forbidden.
Baroness Sayeeda Warsi said: "I have been in Sudan only four months, but I have enjoyed myself immensely. I have encountered nothing but kindness and generosity from the Sudanese people.
"I want to express my thanks to all who have worked so hard while I'm in prison. Thank you also for your messages of support."
The peers, from Britain's upper house of parliament, thanked Sudan and all those working behind the scenes for the pardon and expressed hope that it would not worsen relations between the two countries.
"It seems like we have been in Sudan for an eternity, it is in fact just over 48 hours. It is because of the tremendous goodwill shown on all sides that Gillian's ordeal has now come to an end," said Warsi.
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