As I mentioned yesterday, this English schoolteacher is currently serving a 15-day prison sentence for insulting Islam. She has already served 5 days on remand, and only has 10 days to go. Conditions in the Omdurman prison near Khartoum are described as poor.
I was appalled at the scenes from the streets of Khartoum today, where a baying mob, swinging swords, were demanding the execution of Ms Gibbons. The demonstrators had gathered following Friday prayers.
I have repeatedly stated my respect for Islam as one of the great religions of the world, a close cousin of Christianity. I have also found out that provisions are made for those who are not adherents to that faith. Ms Gibbons made an honest mistake in allowing her class of 7-year olds to name the class teddy Mohammed, the Holy Prophet. Not all sections of Islam are opposed to that.
These scenes only reinforce the beliefs of some in the Western world who view Islam as an intolerant and violent faith. It also would appear that there are people in Sudan who do not appreciate foreign workers coming into their country, and will find any little fault to create mischief. Apparently, a school office worker reported the teddy incident to police.
Bearing in mind the current situation in Darfur (the region in the west of Sudan, scene of the displacement of hundreds of thousands in abhorrent circumstances), this incident does not come as a surprise.
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What is done in the name of religion can make ones stomache turn..........................................
ReplyDeleteThe sooner she is home the better ...love Jan xx
ReplyDeleteI read that mothers who have been jailed share their cells with their babies and children in unsanitary conditions and that there are a shortage of meals. Overcrowding is also rife. I also heard on the news the reporter commenting on the crowd baying for her death were also laughing too and looked to him like rent a crowd.(He is the experienced one so should know what he is talking about) How embarassing to true Muslims that there are those of the Muslim religion prepared to laugh and joke about another persons death whilst they get paid to rant and rave.
ReplyDeleteI hope she comes home soon and leaves it all behind her.
Jeanie
Words fail me on this subject Guido, I just hope common sense prevails and Mrs Gibbons is released very soon.
ReplyDeleteLove Sandra xx
People who hate (no matter what their agenda is) will seize on any little thing to feed that hate.
ReplyDeleteLori
I cannot believe the chaos over naming a teddy bear for 7 yr olds. Let's hope cooler heads prevail.
ReplyDeleteBarb
That is without a doubt one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard of. This will result in no one wanting to go into these countries to help those people. I hope this dear lady is able to leave that country, when she's out of jail and not in a box. Linda in Washington state
ReplyDeletethough i dont understand the whole story, i do not understand why this person had to be jailed.
ReplyDeletethank you TRULY for your comment today in one of my journals. it meant ALOT to me.
lj