Monday, 3 December 2007

Gillian Gibbons

I am very pleased that this 54-year old English teacher has been pardoned by the President of Sudan, and was released into the care of the British embassy in Khartoum.

I cannot praise enough the two Muslim parliamentarians who travelled to Sudan to negotiate Ms Gibbons' release, and whose intervention with the president put the seal of success on their venture.

I am appalled at the attitude shown in Sudan towards someone who made an honest mistake. The fact that two Muslims from the UK went to Sudan to intervene in this case should serve as a lesson to all - not just to the detractors of the Islamic faith, but also to those hotheads on the streets of Khartoum. Even as the negotiations came to a conclusion, a few dozen people handed in a petition with their president against Ms Gibbons' release. She has been held in a secure location for her own safety, as threats were made against her life.

Gillian Gibbons has apologised for any distress caused by her actions, saying she has great respect for the Muslim faith.
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8 comments:

  1. Anonymous3 December 2007 at 12:40

    I'm glad for her that she's been released.  -  Barbara

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  2. Anonymous3 December 2007 at 13:44

    I am so glad to hear she was pardoned.   I agree with you, hats off to those who helped her get the pardon.
    Lisa

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  3. Anonymous3 December 2007 at 17:19

    I was so relieved to hear the news, our Muslim peers certainly did a great job. I wonder if the Sudanese government were reminded of the aid that is sent there? I`m sure they wouldn`t want to lose it.



    Love Sandra xx

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  4. Anonymous3 December 2007 at 20:55

    Thank goodness, I think these people are a little over the top sometimes.  Joni

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  5. Anonymous3 December 2007 at 23:00

    The really sad part Guido is that she didn't do anything wrong. It was an innocent excercise with a 7-year old saying he wanted the teddy bear named after himself. The boy's name was Muhammed. I too am grateful that cooler heads prevailed and that Ms Gibbons is safely out of that country...

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  6. Anonymous4 December 2007 at 15:00

    I'm glad I actually caught a bit of this on the news to know what you're referring to (been news-less for 4 days).  I, too, am pleased.  Her release, and apology, was/ were appropriate.

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  7. Anonymous5 December 2007 at 00:30

    I agree with every word here, I was SO relieved that she was pardoned... and I can't believe how far the Sudanese Govt was taking this on an honest mistake from someone who was actually there to HELP them.  GRRR!!!  So glad she is safely home!!

    Joann

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  8. Anonymous5 December 2007 at 04:19

    I agree with you.  The two UK Muslims who made the effort to intervene in her behalf should be praised.  I am so glad that she has been pardoned and is being protected.
    Lori

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