Could it be that so many people in that country do not have basic litercy that they are the pawns by those who can.

Clive, Dartford, Kent

i agree im 13 and if the 7 year old named it why should she be punished for someting the child did not her

baliey, new york, us new york

Ok. This is so sad, and I am thankful that she is not going to get lashed... I think that was a stupid misunderstanding, and that she still shouldn't be in the jail. I'm 14, and I think this is crazy and so does my friends.

Charlie V, Plano, Texas

These muslims in the Sudan are making Islam itself appear as an offense waiting to be taken. Unfortunately such an attitude seems too common across the islamic world.

Tom, Cambridge,

Here in Leicester we have schools that are 100% Muslim and 100% Hindu & we know about religious sensitivity. I was considering VSO when I retire from primary teaching but this has done nothing for the Sudanese or any other country that wants foreign nationals to work there.

S Howard, Leicester,

I am Muslim, neither secular, nor apologetic and this is just ridiculous! I truly have nothing to say about this but expressing my deep sympathy for Ms. Gibbons
This has nothing to do with Islam. She obviously intended no harm. Such a minor cultural misunderstanding could have been contained within the school rooms instead of blowing it beyond its real size. I pray for her release but also for the release of our own souls from this civilizational fear we're suffocating ourselves with. Islam is about love & forgiveness not running to punish innocent people for a stupid misunderstanding. Muslims -including myself- relearn your religion; get in touch with our Prophet of Love & Mercy!!!

Waleed Arafa, Cairo, Egypt

Doesn't Saint Augustine say that an unjust law is no law at all? And a law that imposes excessive punishment for trivial acts is unjust. And a religion that imposes an excessive fear of its God so that trivial acts are punished disproportionately is no true faith at all.

Gregory Baker, Odenton, Maryland, USA

Of all the weird things done in the name of law in many islamic countries, this one is the most outrageous and serious. Any law or value-system that recognizes even a semblance of justice in this verdict should be regarded as devoid of sanity and humanity. Nothing less than complete withdrawal of relations would be an approprriate response from Britain in this case. If the Sudanese government upholds this verdict as legitimate, then the country is not competent for international relations. It would be a shame if Britain continues to engage in diplomatic relations with Sudan after this. That would be like legitimizing this insane legal system.

RK, Trivandrum, India

The teacher should have been wiser, knowing the attitude of Muslim extremists and that a woman's worth is only half that of a man's. It is better to take the punishment now, since she has served almost half of the sentence. Clearly, some Sudanese officials and lawyers are acting shrewdly for justice and common sense.

We have so-called Christian extremists here, for example in N. Ireland but they do not follow the path Jesus followed.

Petrakis, Poole, England

This whole this is appalling - this poor woman should be released immediately. I know there are many other people suffering outrageous human rights abuses but it's this kind of thing that really brings it to our attention. The other recent story that was horrific was the poor woman in Saudi Arabia who was sentenced to 200 lashes for "letting herself get raped".

If there was a protest march in support of doing something about this I would be there. In the absence of that I've joined Amnesty International today and will support their campaigning from now on.

Ellen, Berkshire, UK

As far as the mob are concerned she is guilty on three charges
, she is white, a westerner and a Christian.

Tony, Dudley, England

I believe I have read that the "whistleblower" on this incident was a colleague of the teacher who obviously held extreme religious views (almost verging on the fanatic) about the seriousness of this incident.

Mr. Boulos, director of the school, should have been aware of the existance of such radical Islamic beliefs on his staff and in the community, even if the teacher herself was too naive to have familiarised herself with the sensitivities of teaching in an Islam school in a foreign country. He should have advised her - and all staff - accordingly. This he clearly failed to do.

Doubtless these things are ordered differently in the Sudan but it would appear logical that the director should be responsible for what happens in his school - this being the case, it is a little questionable for him to declare this "a very fair verdict"; one can but hope his governing body have some strong questions to ask him when this is all over - and not just about a new name for the teddy.

HPK, Thatcham, UK

Where is CAIR's condemnation of this absurd case? They are the first to cry out "Islamophobia" but lack the courage and intestinal fortitude to make a stand when Muslims are clearly going too far. Also, how would PM Thatcher have handled this one? I think she may have had the SAS on the way home with Ms Gibbons by now. Enough with political correctness and tip-toeing around these issues. We need more Thatchers and Reagans in the world.

Rich, Washington, DC

Absolute disgrace! Where is the tough Gordon Brown now? This is just yet another example of Britain bowing down to over-sensitive fanatical lunatics, who defend themselves in the name of religion, whilst thousands of the same religion seek asylm in the country they so hate.

Chris Smith, letchworth Garden City, UK

I live in a city with the highest number of homicides in the US (Philadelphia), so very little shocks me. For so-called religious people to condemn an intelligent teacher for trying to connect with her students speaks volumes on their ignorance and her humanity. I am heartsick by this story because it fuels the idea that all Muslims are crazed zealots ready to hurt and kill, especially women. Surely, there must be decent, true religious Muslims who believe what their religion really means, and not what their warped minds want it to believe.

Leslie Martin, Philadelphia, PA

this in my opinion is the most offensive event conected to the farce called religion yet. our government should not let this happen, where is our loyalty to england

william parks, chelmsford, essex

it is sad to see this teacher victim to such extreme consequences. i do also degree that the country is not helping itself with the western society by letting this occur at all, after all she came of offer a service to better the country who wants her to be publically lashed, and the Muslim society within the country is not helping itself at all even though i do believe that their are some in the country including those in her class room who wish to her free as it was not her fault, the class voted for the name. and i do think it is a case of revenge by the staff and the school itself for her being a brilliant teacher and for being of Britsh origin. this is a lesson to all that you should know EVERYTHING about going to a country who has capital punishment, which is simply outdated, but it also a case of the western world clashing with the eastern. a clear case of ethnocentricism.

katrina, london, UK

In answer to the various people who ask the question "has the world gone mad"? the answer is NO. Why include the rest of us?
There is not one western country who would have taken to the streets chanting and indeed asking for the death penalty.
The thing that is more worrying is I fear as happened in London a few months ago, when muslims from all over this country took to the streets waving banners and chanting for executions. This type of thing will become even more common place here.

mike , adlington,

It is time the UK Government stopped pussy footing around with the yanks and sudanese. Their diplomats need to be challenged/extradited from the UK and told no more liaison until their respective governments and nations start addressing 'REAL HUMAN RIGHTS' . The UK govt must be considered toothless starting from the past regime of Blair and following now into Brown and his cronies.

Why cannot we UK citizens give some support to our fellow citizens Gillian Gibbons and the Natwest three, and force our politicians to listen to their people and start looking after their people?

TJS Dunn, Littlehampton, West Sussex

In the name of Love, what more in the name of Love? Really, both sides will ultimately cite Love as the root of their indignation: love for God; love for their fellow humans; love for life. Maybe we should revisit this thing called Love and carefully consider withdrawing it, faced with the apparent overabundance of it as we are.

Sean, Vancouver, Canada

This has nothing to do with a Teddy Bear. It is purely another example of the divide between the middle east and western civilisation. Evermore apparent does it become, the extent of these narrow minded, brainwashed simpletons, they will do anything to cause angst to the British and Americans. The time is drawing near for the West to start treating these morons with the disreguard they deserve. Day in, day out, we Britts see more immigration, more mosques, less English and it is time to say enough is enough. As the Bible, oops i have offended millions with the word bible, says, there will be a third world war, but the fourth will be fought with sticks and stones. There will never be integration. If you go to the Blackburn, Bradford, etc.. the increased lack of integration grows by the day. Could we go to the Sudan or Iran and build Catholic or other Churches in towns. No, as we would be shot. We should play them with their own rules.

andy, midlands, england

how long are we going to sit back and take this vote BNP
IT WILL SOON BE TO LATE

DISGUSTED, gateshead, uk

Never mind "shame on you" Jessica. The Sudan has a history of violence, and abuse of human rights. Ms Gibbons is only one of many who have felt terror by extreme religious fanatics. I have always been a tolerant, fighter for human rights but am severely sickened and disheartened by the violence and abuse by these fanatics. And I also think it very insensitive of you to suggest Ms Gibbons will make alot of money when she returns home, that for me is not comparable to the terror she must be feeling now in a Sudanese prison and when she left the courtroom to be confronted by armed crowds. I think it is you that should feel shame!

Anne, Liverpool, United Kingdom

these so called religious people are worse than kids
who has gillian harmed
i was sickened and appaled when i heard the story
gillian should be releaced emediatley with a full appology from the religious leaders
what is it are they ashamed of there profit

steve, boston, uk

This is ridiculous and foolishness to punish a school teacher for her innocent mistake.The people from other culture and religion have all right to follow thier own religion and build thier own mosque and temples in UK and follow thier religious beleives.But in Soudi Arabia none is allowed to follow thier own culture and anyone who do this will be getting punished.Every one in this world can understand Miss Gibbons didnt do any mistake but tried to make the children to understand what she want to do.she wanted the children to name the bear as thier own wishes.I am very ashamed of the sudanis for being this much fool for not understanding an innocent teacher's way of teaching the children and simply relating this problem to the religious insulting.I really very shame for the sudanis who punished the innocent TEACHER for her devoted Job.First time I see this kind of foolishnesss in a country and none of the humen will punish a humen for her innocent mistake like this.ABSOULTELY IDIOTIC!!

Biritsh, london, UK

After all this over a teddy bear i am afraid i am know on the brink of turning into a racist and will have nothing to do with muslim's and religon at all ,

Mike, Gwynedd, united kingdom

It was never about a teddy bear. It's about the abuse of power and vicious control over the ignorant masses of Sudan. This little sideshow is provocative for a reason. The world's attention to the bloody horrors of Sudan have been set aside for awhile for a trivial debate on Islam vs soft toys - mission accomplished.

Lynne, Geneva, Switzerland

Let us just pull out our support, aid, charity and backing to the country, I am sure that Muhammed will see them right in keeping them fed, giving them clean water, innoculations, and so on. Lets remember it is not that long ago that they were in complete disarray, war, and famine.

Let's be honest the UK at this present time could do with the money far more, we have a housing crisis of our own.

Richard , Manchester ,

Absolutely ridiculous. A young boy had asked that the teddy bear be named after him. This boy had probably thought it would be a nice gesture......obviously not. Gillian Gibbons has done nothing wrong. Foreigners come into the United Kingdom and we seem to go out of our way to help them (housing, benefits, jobs, understand their way of life, traditions and cultures), why do we do this? We go to another country and we still have to follow there way of life, their traditions and cultures

Rosie, Loughborough, uk

Is the next step,that the children should be dragged through the same court, for participating in this farce?

.After having the profit mohammed's name set so firmly in their young minds as a peacefull leader,only someone filled with hatred(NOT A TRAIT OF THEIR PROFIT)would act like they have!.
These people and their religious leaders are clutching at anything that comes there way,fueled by George Bush and Tony Blair's fanatical War.
These people are either filled with fear of a constant attack from us the west,or they have lost all grasp of reality within the rule of their religious leaders?.

I tell all now ,the time has come to set aside our personal beliefs in all profits ,STEP BACK,and look at the state of our one and only world,and participate in a global truth search!.

After all Gillian Gibbons was doing something that hopefully all people the whole world over of True Strong Hearts Believe in:-OUR CHILDREN!!.(The World Over)...
SICK IRONY....FREE HER NOW...DON'T WAIT.....

Aaron, Dundee, Scotland

Thousands of sudanese are now crawling the streets asking for gillian to be shot, my god, what is the matter with these people, are they that barbaric, Gillian has made a mistake, going there in the first place was a mistake ,obviously without knowing in depth there laws and more importantly religion. Religion is the major cause of most wars, yet if all these religious fanatics preach what they belive in, they would not want a shool teacher shot for naming a bear Muhammed.
We have to put up with these religious fanatics coming to this country and trying to blow us all to kingdom come, if this or any government will not put an end to this stupidity it is about time we the people united and showed the government and these fanatics The Once Great British people have had enough and my god have i had enough.

Alan, Newcastle,

My wish is that any trade we have this Country should cease immediately. They produce sugar, then buy it elsewhere.

Why is it that the Labour Party has kept this low key. Yes, we may have spoken to their ambassodor but nit wwith any strong words or outrage. Better still remove our representaives out of the country and withdraw any aid.

D Wright, Witney, UK

Teddy's for freedom. free Gillian, Teddy's of the world unite.This is appalling. Liberate her now.

Jane Anderson-Hawkes, Scarborough, yorkshire

This has more to do with petty jealousies than Islam. The woman had only arrived a little time before the event, or more specifically, the complaint. No doubt she upset a small-minded individual in the school system, perhaps by being good at her job or even just a nice person.
Where Islam comes into the picture is that it keeps common people in ignorance and in a state where moronic but powerful leaders can whip up a crowd at the drop of a hat.
This should be a warning to anyone wishing to work in a land where religion -and Christendom has its moments too- is more powerful than reason. Step out of line and you'll find yourself back in the 12th century.

Paul, Cusco, Peru

I have raised money for years for africa but after this i will not do any more for these barbarians so all will suffer

anthony, merseyside, uk

To all the people who think we should cut off aid to Sudan because of this ludicrous incident. Shame on you.

Ms Gibbon's experience, if she returns safely to the UK, will look mild compared to that of thousands of civilians in Sudan who face a daily struggle for survival.

Surely we are made of sterner stuff than this. Why penalise those who have no say in the matter?

When Ms Gibbons returns she can write about her experience and earn more than a Sudanese farmer and his extended family will ever earn in their entire lives.

Jessica, West Sussex, UK

shair, hampshire, UK, you wouldn't last five minutes in a Strict Muslim country. If you think we have such double standards, please feel free to go elsewhere.

Keith, London,

Hmmm, looks like another place to cross off my holiday list...

My fear is that more and more people are using a certain interpretation of Islam as an excuse to be horrid to to types they don't like - is it pointed exclusively at 'non believers' or in this case, 'a women' ? I don't know I can't figure it out.
I do know though, that this can never be a way to embrace difference, or show tolerence.
To those few that look for evil, where there is non. Find another way to express yourselves...Please

Grant Wyness, Devon,

So many people of the islamic faith are named mohammed, it's ridiculus. To name an inantimate object mohammed and be upset about it is ridiculus. What would have been the results if the teacher had said, "No" to the student???

Tony, Stillwater, Oklahoma,

Obviously, the kids who voted on the name should have been flogged or jailed or beheaded - forgive me if I'm a little unfamiliar with Sharia Law, I just figure the more cruel, inhumane and just plain nuts, the more it must please Allah. Maybe extend the punishment to all Muslims named Mohamed. Why is that allowed then?
Seriously, now, would love for some moderate Muslims to comment on this and finally convince me that Islam really is a religion of peace and what it exactly contributes to this planet today.

Guido, La Linea,

If you read the above, although I strongly believe it was at no fault of her own. The Sudanese dont have a culture that covets bears or believes that they have 'cute' values. A bear is a carnivorous mammal that would in reality kill at sight of humans. This is what they believed was likened to their Mohamed. This is why they were angry. They are less developed in more ways that one to us. Their ideologies on freedom of speech with regards to religion are lacking a care of human rights or understanding of others rights to dissimilar beliefs.

If we go over to a different country we have to respect and understand the depth of belief and take special care not to torment that side to them. Though I do believe that this government should have done more to protect this clearly selfless and wonderful human being.

Tanya, Manchester,

Saud, riyadh wrote 'where were every body when the littel girl working at heathrow airport got a 2 years jail term just for using an internet name which the uk government didn't like'

It wasn't her user-name to which we objected. It was the poems she wrote about beheading British people and the manuals of terrorism she kept at her home. If you can't see the difference between this and giving a toy the wrong name, then you have just illustrated why your culture is so abhorent to us.

Casper, bath,

Now protesters want this lady executed. I'm sorry for this, but what does this have to say about "Islam.... The Religion of Peace)

Carl, Myrtle Beach,

Why is the world surprised at this punishment.? These are the same people who flog rape victims and fly planes into buildings.

Kim Righetti, Upland, Calif. USA

There's been a lot of hot-headed shouts for retribution. Did Ms Gibbons make a mistake? Yes. Should she have double-checked whether she was stepping on any toes, given Islamic traditions? Yes. Should she have been arrested? No.

Once the story got out & she was arrested, she was in quite a bit of danger. Look at the fanatics gathering outside the courthouse during the trial. The judge couldn't let her go - she'd have been lynched. Staying in the country after the sentence expires would probably get her attacked &/or killed. Given everything, he did the only thing he could - kept her out of the way in a (relatively) safe jail (do you really think there won't be plenty of people queuing up to feed & water her?) & then making sure she's sent home to safety by deporting her. He could have had her flogged, or made the sentence much longer. If the mention of hurrying up her travel papers is true, she may not even serve the full sentence. It could have been much worse.

Anna, Caister, UK

I think that this is really pathetic and that This country really needs to evaluate this case, The kids named this bear not the teacher.
As far as the comments like kill her by firing squad, I think the UK needs to step in and say enough is enough! i believe that if a child wants to name a stuffed animal after their precious Mohammed than so be it! who ever these prtesters are they really need to get a life and worry about the real crimes being commited everyday.
This story gets me so angry, These people have no right to prosecute this teacher for doing her job, you people are pathetic and it is no wonder why so many people choose to leave these countries and move to places like Canada to avoid such bogus laws that make no sense at all.
They should be embarrassed and ashamed that this had to go as far as it did!

Amanda, Toronto, Canada

it does seem rather ridculous for problem to be whipped up to this scale but the only racial hatred this is likely to generate is against muslims and sudanese in partcicular. It seems highly likely that many will no longer support the various famine and other relief projects undertaken in that part of the world - my reaction is certainly to leave such ignorant countries to stew in their own juice

stuart, bournemouth,

Are you kidding me, these people don't have better things to worry about than what "children" have named a teddy bear. Get Real!!!!!!!

Sarah, Temecula, California

I'm trying to think of a parallel whereby something logically harmless could be deemed as an atrocity and punished harshly in our society... hmmm suggestions on a postcard?

Also isn't it odd that she's in court for calling a teddy Mohamed (by popular vote), when the families of both a member of her defense team (Ali Mohammed Ajab) and the judge (Mohammed Youssef) must have at some stage commited a similar offence... or is the spelling important?

John, London,

Stewart, Liverpool.
Get our people out of this country now,they don`t deserve our help and charity. All this over a name !

Stewart, Liverpool, UK

There are some crazy points of view on here. I hope most people will think mine is more sensible... it's not a religion that is to blame for this, but rather a backward and power crazy government and legal system (not ours for once!). I mostly feel sorry for the poor teacher who has done nothing wrong - the child named the bear, not her - but I also have to feel a bit sorry for the average Sudanese person. What must it be like living in such a messed up country with little hope of it ever getting better? We moan about the UK, often with good reason, but at least we aren't stuck in the Sudan!

julian, manchester, uk

It is very worrying that such a huge amount of anger can be generated from a misunderstanding , and that there are some in the Sudan who believe this woman to be part of some western plot to discredit Islam. They must be very insecure in their religion

John, Stockton, UK

What concerns me is the rush of MPs all saying how moderate muslims are, and how they have lots of moderate muslim friends who are all in shock at this case. It's not the moderates that concern me. History shows us that moderate people initally stand by while fanatics do their work.

roger, london,

Gordon, John -- I agree entirely. I will also be shouting out loud at the next appeal for charity from a government that systematically abuses its people and now a Brit -- noooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!

Robin, london,

The trouble is the aid we give is going to the people in the Sudan who are receiving the same treatment as this poor teacher and all in the name of Islam. Don't you feel too that the Muslims in this country are so lucky to be here enjoying the freedom that the West affords them and that is why they are supporting this poor woman.

Nikki, Maidenhead,

Yet another reason to ban religion.

Michael, austin, usa

I don't think this will stop Muslims from using Paddington station.

Martin Pilcher, Herts,

I expect Julie Walters, Helen Mirren or Judi Dench are being lined up to play her in a forthcoming film. Locations for filming in Liverpool are probably being considered even as I write this.

Brian, Liverpool,

I d prefer stay 6 months in jail rather than get 40 lashes. Hopefully she will be fainted after the first 5 so she won't have to go through all that pain...

anyway This is a reminder of not being naive. We are alqays quick in slating the UK but by far we have the best human rights in the World over here.

Shame that we need to bend on our knee in front of these barbarian Islamic state for a bunch of Petrodollar!!!!

marco, London,

Stop giving aid to these countries and get out of there. There can be no justice if extreme religion has it's part in it.

Alan, Midlands,

where were every body when the littel girl working at heathrow airport got a 2 years jail term just for using an internet name which the uk government didn't like

saud, riyadh,

One assumes the Sudanese have punished this teacher because insulting Muhammed makes Islam/Muslims look ridiculous.

The Sudanese, and any other Muslims who support jailing this teacher, should ask themselves this - does jailing this teacher give the world a more/less favourable impression of Muslims.

Personally, I think they've done their cause massive harm.

CB, Epsom, England

I don't want to be BNP, but I REALLY DON'T WANT TO BE MUSLIM. The way things are going that's the choice we'll all have. Don't think this country is immune to what's happened in other parts of the world throughout history.

john , Birkenhead, UK

Am I the only person that sees the hypocrisy in most of these comments? You all want immigrants here to obey our laws and live our way of life but dont think that Brits going abroad have to bother. Yes it seems a ridiculous law to me as well but at the end of the day some countries and their cultures are very, very different to ours and if we want people to respect our national identity then we should respect theirs.

Rod Munch, Northampton, UK

"In Islam it says...." yer whatever. It's funny, people dismiss the BNP, don't want to read or "interpret" what they believe, but how many have they or their followers killed? But when it comes to Islam,"oh it could mean this" "or it could mean that" This goverment is pathetic,it's no wonder muslims are so confident .

john , Birkenhead, UK

It would be interesting to know more about the school secretary who filed the complaint. Is Sarah a local name? Her conduct and the response of her employer demonstrate that whatever standards are taught at the school loyalty to colleagues isn't amongst them.

David, Oxford,

The degree to which an action might be wrong has to be measured against what the perpetrator knew before committing the act. It can be the difference between a crime and a mistake. This is a sad example of religious condemnation driven by mob rule and where there is no place for common sense to override a prescribed punishment.

Kit, London, UK

Stuart from Merseyside,

How can you blame the thing on the woman, saying she is naive??? It is the government that is naive for making such a big fuss over such a small matter.
Also if you ever came across a cheetah that was as tame as this, wouldn't you want to take a pic with it? What has stroking the cheetah got to do with any of this???

Thiaga, London, UK

Surely we can at least now send all the Sudanese convicted criminals in this country back to Sudan. If a UK citizan can do time in one of their jails, so can the Sudanese that are convicted over here.

CA, Manchester, uk

I didnt see Gillian Gibbons wearing a veil when she was at school... and how extreme is that country towards islam... and in this country.. muslims want this country to adapt to their requirments..Its all a joke. There is no way i can class islam as a loving religion (as other religions are). I know of many mohammeds who are ex-convicts and drug dealers... Is that not hatred towards islam!. Look at Mohammed Ali, who was cassius Clay.. and Malcolm X who was a ex convict, then decided to overthrow his sins and become a muslim.... Mike Tyson the same.. They are all ex cons...I have yet to meet a honest muslim who does not drink, smoke etc...
Sudan is country that will regret what they ahve done!.. The UK should make Sudan suffer.....and see how far they can get without the help of the UK.!..

Gurbachan Singh, Bedford,

It is curious to see the variety of views a situation like this brings out. Some want massive military action, someone even condemned the poor woman for being naive, some are falling over themselves to find ways of being respectful to Islam etc. For myself I do not think we should do anything that validates the sense of power of the testosterone laden fundamentalists. International ridicule, cartoons, jokes - the poor old Irish have suffered decades of derision of their intellect, why are this lot, who really have their knuckles scaping the ground, being let of the hook ? Where are the islamic fundamentalist jokes ? They may not get it but at least their children will be ashamed of them

David Iain Craig, Lagrasse, France

The Sudanese must be dying laughing. They commit genocide- they murder,rape and dispossess hundreds of thousands and apart from the routine muttering from impotent and uninterested governments not a word is said. Arrest a British teacher though and all hell is let loose, with every pasty saloon-bar orator in the country screaming for vengeance and demanding action from the SAS and a gunboat. Oo, I bet the Sudanese are really scared.

eric campbell, harrogate, uk

If Ms. gibbons had taken the trouble to read even the most basic book about the origins and history of Islam before taking it upon herself to teach Muslim children she would not have done what she did.

Mike Clark, Llanfairfechan, Conwy

The most depressing fact about this case - apart from the unwelcome insight into one of 'Islam's backward medieval societies - is that the reaction by Muslims in the West to events in Sudan has been far more critical than it was in the wake of genuine atrocities such as 9/11 or the July bombings in London. How refreshing to hear outright condemnation for a change instead of the usual sophistry from a section of society usually conspicious by its silence.

Edmund, London, UK

The British goverment will.....do what? The same as when the Irainians kidnapped the sailors? Surrender monkies!!!!! The sooner these university apologists are out the better. I mean,Sudan? Who are they to take our charity and treat a CHARITY WORKER like this. Their having a laugh at our expense,come on people,are we going to put up with this?

john , Birkenhead, UK

Roll on the next appeal for aid from Sudan, so I can shout at the top of my voice..........NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!.

Gordon Perrygrove, Birmingham.,

Like it or not, this whole episode further damages the Islamic religion in the uk. It will add to the mistrust and division that has grown over the last few years.

Andrew, London, UK

This ridiculous incident was seized upon by the Sudanese police and government to heighten anti-Western feeling in the country. Ms Gibbon was chosen because she is a white, female, Westerner.

In response we should suspend all aid payments (and we give them millions of pounds of our taxes every year).

Louise, London,

Our government should show its disapproval and withdraw aid and support to the Sudan for the priod of time gillian Gibbons has been put through this ordeal.
A simple and related act.

What next? is what we should ask ourselves.

Bill, Sheffield,

According to some contemporary Islamic scholars, Pooh Bear himself can be considered "a good Muslim". Thus the tradition of bears and Islam is a long one -> see: http://www.tektonics.org/guest/pooh.html

M. Ibn Tahhara, Bradord, UK

I have just seen Gillian Gibbons's MP being interviewed on GMTV.
She said that there has to be slow a but positive outcome to the situation.
THERE ARE ONLY 15 DAYS TO DO SOMETHING.

IDIOTS.

Wildgoose, London/Mayo, England/Ireland

The Sudanese have brought shame and ridicule on Islam by their ignorance.

Carl, London, UK

And we expect Annapolis to work? Whoever says there is no connection is as knowledgeable about the Middle East as Ms Gibbons and Condi Rice are.

Mladen Andrijasevic , Be'er Sheva , Israel

I'd just like to point out that a teddy bear is not an animal, not to a child at least. It is, in fact, a spiritual being almost of the same status as a deity to someone so young. I would have thought that the Islamic authorities would be pleased that a Muslim child would wish to call his own personal friend and mentor the same name as their prophet. I think the real problem is that the Isalmic world ( at least a part of it ) is so afraid of losing its identity in today's western oriented society, that it is moved to irrationality. They should relax a little bit and see that not everything in the west is decadent. Advances in medicine have come about mainly through research by western nations. Islam cannot continue to live in the Middle Ages. It must accept that we are living in the present and that many, many people occupy this planet. We all have to learn to get along with each other.

David, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Perusing the Sudan Penal Code and the Sudanese government websites, I've noticed amongst other things:
(i) the unrestricted and non nuanced language used in their laws

(ii) the extent of unchecked power wielded by people who are rich, who were educated in the UK and America, and who probably have their power simply from being members of families that have dominated the country, or knowing people who have dominated the country

I think there is a need to translate the government websites of Sudan so that people in the UK and farer places can read some of the materials published by the government in Sudan, in order that human beings can follow what is going on.

Eric, London,

there's no question that this woman is naive in the extreme , she is even stroking a cheetah in the photograph , that thing will take her hand off!

stuart rayner, st helens, merseyside/uk

I read the comment from the former teaching assistant blaming Ms. Gibbons for not doing her cultural homework before going to teach in another country. Lest we forget... she was teaching at a Christian school with a 90% Muslim population. Couldn't she assume... however wrongly... that this was a school built on tolerance? Such that any innocent mistake in cultural difference could be treated with briefly tolerant smile and a "this is how we do it here."

What bothers me is the mealy-mouthed response of her employer, Mr. Boulos. Any decent administrator would defend their employees, but he just left her to fend for herself. If this had been perceived as truly offensive to the school population, would the project have gotten as far as it did? A resounding no! But this project had been in action since September! Of course, Ms. Gibbons was surprised.

Hold your head up, Ms. Gibbons. Your only crime was in trusting those who employed you. They should be the ones who are whipped.

K.M., Sacramento, U.S.A

Sharia law is an ass. Or in this case, a teddy bear.

samtam, Bangkok, Thailand

My teddy bear's name was Pooh. Make what you like out of this one.

David Basckin, Durban, South Africa

I think this shows as much a lack of understanding by the Moslems in Sudan of our culture as our understanding of their religion. Obviously, when in Rome etc etc..

But a teddy bear over here is not a bad animal at all, in fact it is given human qualities and I am sure if the Sudanese were to reflect for a moment on it's place in our culture then they would not be so hot headed about the whole thing, perhaps even Mohammed himself would have liked one.,
But don't quote me on that, there are enough nutters around who just don't think straight.

Mutual respect is the answer

Richard, London, UK

If we're gonna talk about "when in Rome" and "respecting the law," then are the parents of the poor little seven-year-old who <i>actually did</i> the blasphemous naming being taken to task? Since they can't really claim ignorance of culture and are responsible for training up their child?

(I would prefer that nobody be taken to task, but really. This is something she allowed out of ignorance perhaps -- but she didn't actually DO anything.)

Nicole K, Astoria ,

I heard the Teddy bear in question is a well known local bully boy, and all round bad egg......But seriously, my feelings go out to the poor teacher who faces deportation back to the UK. Anyone who has spent time teaching and caring about kids will understand how distraught she must feel. Lets not forget her in a weeks time, as the next attention grabbing story takes precedent.

mark, Sydney, Australia

We live in an age when people cannot (or will not) distinguish between hurt and offence. If I punch you in the face, you'll be hurt. - Unnacceptable.
If however I stand in front of you and laugh at your face for whatever reason, (maybe I just find you exceedingly ugly, or perhaps I find your religious beliefs exceedingly amusing) then you may (or may not) be offended, but you will most certainly NOT be hurt.
So listen up folks, because this is where we get the notion of 'TAKING' offence from.
The decision is yours, take offence or not, as you please, but for god's sake stop making such a fuss about having your feelings hurt. It's not the end of the world, and it certainly doesn't hurt you.

Tony Pritchard, Cancun, Mexico

What I would dearly love to see is some action by the Muslim Council in form of, maybe, a counter demonstration from Muslims across the UK in support off and demanding the freedom of Ms. Gibbons. This would neutralise the demonstration called for by Khartoum Students and others who have enticed more than a million people to join them after Friday prayers in showing their disgust for this Lady.

I cannot see that a counter demo would do any harm and, in fact, would do much to enhance the feeling that British Muslims are also outraged by the outcome of this sorrow mess. However sad this case, race relations may improve because of this if handled correctly!

LT, Warminster, UK

There you go, theres your "tolerant peaceful" Islam. Keep entertaining these savages whims while the UK bows to their every demand for "respect" while they yield none in return. Perhaps the next time one of their clerics is out in public calling us "infidels" on our own soil we can lock him up for several weeks. I will give everything I have to fight against any type of Sharia law being implemented in my country.

All religion is poison to the mind. Wake up and face the truth that our one life is precious and should be lived with simple mutual respect.

TJ Pierce, lincoln, USA

A teddy bear is making a monkey out of Islam

CA, Manchester, uk

this is completely pathetic. Even the far right bible belt loonies wouldn't lock someone up because they called their furry toy 'jesus.'

Diana, london,

There is a reason that our government will not withdraw aid or even cut diplomatic ties with Sudan.

It's the potentially huge oil reserves in that country.

Britons get flogged in Saudi, mainly for alcohol offences. Our government, rightly or wrongly, stands aside. They will do the same with Sudan.

If this story were not so prominent in the press, nobody from the government would even mention it.

David Gordon, Edinburgh, UK

Very, very sad and disappointing on so many levels. As a professional woman, also in my 50s, I have been seriously considering a second career teaching English or volunteering overseas. Perhaps there are many of us here in the US who are now re-considering any such altruistic endeavors. I feel terrible for the poor teacher...her generous heart must be broken.

Ms. Young, Las Vegas, NV

Sorry a little off point but why should there be Sharia Law in the UK for Islamic people? You should abide by the law in the country you live in surely?
Also, it isnt democratic to let people be treated differently in a court of law.
All equal, treated the same.

SJ, Cornwall, UK

This does seem rather ridiculous, I have to say......

How does calling a teddy bear Mohammed implant sin into children's minds? Teddy bears are, after all, an alternative to dolls and represent an early surrogate for children to imagine being a mother or father. If calling a child Mohammed is OK (which it apparently is in Sudan, as the Teddy was named after one of the children!), then what is wrong with calling a surrogate child the same?

When was life ever logical, eh?

Does sound, though, as if drawing up a list of things which cannot be called Mohammed might be a good place to start, eh?

Rhys Jaggar, Leeds,

To Kathryn in Bristol,

Yes, we do name our children Jesus or Moses. Gwyneth Paltrow named her son, Moses -- and there are many other boys and men in the West who are named Moses. Jesus (Hey-Soos) is a very common name for boys in Spanish-Speaking countries. You will also find millions of Abrahams, Adams, eves, Marys, Elizabeths -- the Bible is filled with many names that are used by humans -- as well as for pets and toys. But Christians do not see this is a problem.

Marlene Koenig, Alexandria, Virginia, USA

I believe there is something about politics in this case involved.

fh, 盘锦, china

Am I missing something here, the kids actually named the teddy Mohamed by voting for their favourite name, therefore under Sharia law is it not the kids that have caused offence??

Edd, London,

It is insulting to the All-Compassionate Nature of Allah what these fanatics are doing. They are the ones who should be condemned. They are living as if they are Allah, not as servants of Allah. A servant of Allah is not desirious of respect, offering respects to all, feeling the most fallen. In this state of mind, one can actually be a servant and lover of Allah, not in some delusional whipped up state of fury and anger. This is the consciousness of a demon and hater of Allah, not a lover of Allah.

Mark Stephens, Toronto, Canada

Cut off all aid to Sudan. Cut off diplomatic ties. Advise UK citizens to give the country a wide berth. Impose sanctions. No mercy or understanding is appropriate.

Paulus, London,

A case of religious hatred inciting its self.

wayne, huntingdon, cambridgeshire

Another PR triumph for islam and religion!
Seriously though, I hope Mrs Gibbons gets out of the sudan unscathed.

paul newbold, sheffield, uk

Next time a Jihady wearing a ski mask walks down a main street carrying a "death to the West" sign in one of Mayor Livingstone's parades, he must be taken directly to the airport, and delivered to the Sudan. His 4 wives and 9 children can be delivered on the next plane.

Lori, London,

It is Ms Gibbons fault for deciding to work in the stone age. Leave these people to go down the pan alone.

Adrian, Bromley,

I sincerely hope that Mrs. Gibbons knows how many people are pulling for her right now. I don't know how much media she is allowed to read or listen to so hopefully she is not worrying for even a second that maybe she did in fact do something wrong.
When she does finally get out of this horrible situation I hope her country and people from all over embrace her and let her know that we didn't agree even slightly with the Sudanese government. That poor woman will need a lot of love and care once she returns to Britain.

Teresa, Portland, Oregon, USA

You send out teachers to improve education standards and this is situation you face! This isn't doing a lot for relations between christians and muslims!! Get real!

Niki, Coventry, UK

As an ex teaching assistant I have to say I cannot believe the naivity of this lady. Are we really expected to believe that she did not realise that to use the islamic prophet's name for an animal was an insult to their religion? If she did not realise, then what on earth was she doing out in a foreign country of whatever religion TEACHING their children?? Surely any half intelligient person on travelling to a foreign country to work, let alone TEACH, tries to find out something about that culture BEFORE they go. Yes, I do believe the Sudan Government are reacting strongly but there is, I am sure, more to this case than meets the eye. Her employers have a lot to answer for, and should explain how they assess the quality of their staff.

teresa harman, Cirencester, U.K.

Fenton Queue (Major), Torquay, Devon: let me get this straight. You seem to be suggesting that a conflict between religions, between cultures, between countries' justice systems that has the potential to end with a woman being whipped, whipped! 40 times, and put in prison to boot is less worthy of outrage than the fact that a SEVEN-yr old had a teddy bear at school? Yes, she was seven, I for one certainly had a teddy bear when I was that age and I would put money on others having had one at seven too.

Yes we must respect others' laws. If a crime were committed here in Britain the 'culprit' would be held accountable under British law. However, being whipped is against all humane behaviour. The punishment does not in anyway fit the crime. If it is indeed a crime in Sudan, it is at most an innocently committed crime, and allowances should be made for this.

Jess, Isle of Wight,

The act demonstrates a clear intolerance to freedom of speech and attempts to pigeon hole the act, which in itself was a misunderstanding not a challenge with an attack by the West on the East.

How many Muslim children are named Mohammed? Thousands, if not millions! Should their mother's be convicted of inciting racial hatred if they step foot on Sudanese soil? Clearly not. What of the class who actually named the bear. Will one of those children be 'punished'? No!

This is not a political issue. This is simple xenophobia, intolerance and bigotry on the part of the Sudanese authorities!

Barnaby Large, London, UK

BRITS, LISTEN UP:
You do realize if you named your dog Mohammed, IN BRITAIN, you'd have the law after you, and could end up in prison for incitement? Try it and see what happens. You might disover Sudan is a close as you own backyard.

Tom Ubell , Chicago, IL.,

Is this really where we are as a race? Thank goodness reasonable, moderate and balanced Muslims are making the kind of noises that any reasonable, moderate and balanced person would make. It beggars belief that this case has progressed so far. The British response to Sudan should be as overboard as their reaction to this innocent lady in order to reflect the disgust felt at the treatment of a British citizen.

Alex Day, Louth, , Lincolnshire

When will people learn that ALL religions given the power will ALWAYS seek to impose their will on you and me. In countries where religion has taken control this is exactly what can be expected. The same thing would happen in the UK if ever religion gained ultimate power.

George, Antibes France,

[Quote]Mohamed is one of the most common names universally, so any one called Mohamed is sacred.

Vinay Mehta, London, UK[/quote]
It is the second most popular name in UK.
What happens is someone named Mohamed commits a crime ? how can he be sacred?.

Dave Hill, St Helens,

Then pile on more pressure and stop all aid and co-operation with Sudan now.

monty, Oxford,

the sudanese government funds/tolerates armed militias that carry out ethnic cleansing, torture and murder. when the dead babies of villagers are being stuffed down wells to contaminate the water supply, the potential lashing of some innocent teacher is a minor problem.

this is not about islam, this is about a corrupt and oppressive government. the only relations we should have with the sudanese government should involve them being on the wrong end of a human rights / war crimes tribunal.

jem, london, uk

I am puzzled and feel that I am missing something. This lady holds a British passport and has gone to a backward foreign country to help those who live there. She is being abused by those she has gone to help. We went to war over Jenkin's ear. Should we not be teaching these people a lesson they won't forget?

John, Kenilworth,

They just wanted to have a go at the west by bullying a western woman, who they probably hate for not covering up and being subservient to men, so a teacher being a woman in control really gets to them.
You can't just go to a far off place and expect it to be like Tunbridge Wells. This hasn't surprised me at all.

martin, London, UK

The religious nuts are taking over the world, its about time we banned God and re-educated all those of whatever superstition are searching for this red herring, for, as everyone knows Rupert the Bear is the one true God....

Ian Hendry, Boston, USA

I think it would be unacceptable if the Government were not to take appropriate action given that a British Citizen was deprived of adequate representation when arrested and denied any kind of normal Justice. Have we lost any kind of retaliatory action in the name of appeasement, I hope not, It's about time to demonstrate that we are not to be messed about with otherwise this will be another ongoing problem. For God's sake take some positive action now let's not give in to some Very questionable and totally unbelievable behaviour in the name of Islam.

G Gibson, Saltash, Cornwall

I laughed when I first heard of Ms. Gibbons' plight. It was just too absurd to be true ... like a bad prank call. That Ms. Gibbons has been convicted within a few hours in closed hearing (what about public justice - justice must not only be done it must be seen to be done) tells us all about the state of human rights in Sudan. This is not about Islam, or even religious tolerance. It's about why the Church and the State should never ever be mixed.

The WORLD has truly gone MAD!!!!!

Elaine, Port of Spain,

Jolly good,keep it up. The BNP will soon be in power.

john , Birkenhead, UK

Britain is looking pretty weak. The woman will survive 15 days. Some of the hotels in these more primitive countries are like jails anyway, but Britain is damaged.

When Rushdie got treated the way he did, British people, and democratic people everywhere should have seen that Islam is being used as an excuse to do whatever one likes, whilst technically staying within the rules. So many ethnics try it on. They suck the resources dry.

Phil Colquitt, New Farm, Australia

To all those people who are telling the UK government to do something about it - gordon brown won't do it because his bosses won't allow him to as they lose the money that is coming from the sudan aid and the oil money, etc....

Jamie, Preston, England

As punishment to Sudan we should give their ambassador lashes and jail then break off all aid given to them....

Martin, Scotland,

This from a country the United States has just given 2.6 billion dollars to. I imagine the UK has supported these folks also. Not a penny more ever again.

Robert M., Savannah, GA

There is much to be astounded about concerning this development but to have the school's own director stating that this was "a very fair verdict" is remarkable. I am quite sure that Unity High School will have a serious problem recruiting teachers from Britain, or anywhere else, in the future.

Perhaps Mr. Boulos was pressured into making the statement by the government of Sudan when it threatened to send him straight to his room without dinner (and NO television!).

Mr. Boulos represents yet another true profile in courage when it comes to pressing back against injustice in the defense of Islam and I am sure that the British people will find a suitable way of acknowledging and honoring your forthright defense of one of your own staff members.

Harris Lirtzman
Albany, NY
USA

Harris Lirtzman, Albany, NY, USA

Michael Wilkinson writes: "Religeon is a hard taskmaster especially when interpreted in a way a leader wishes to interpet it to their own benifit
Sadly religeous leaders will always do so".

I disagree: in this the 21st century, it is only Moslems who behave in this intolerant way. And, incidentally get supported by many liberals, lest anyone cricicise them

M.Lester, London, UK

1. If the person who named the teddy bear has broken some Muslim rule, then surely it's the little boy who - according to their logic - should be jailed and lashed. Why isn't the Muslim child being punished then?

2. Muslim parents took this teddy bear, which they knew and accepted to be called Mohammed, into their homes for several days. Why aren't these Muslim parents being punished then?

3. The child was called Mohammed. The teddy bear was named after a child. Muslim society lets boys be named after the prophet. Muslim society lets teddy bears be named after people. The child called Mohammed named the bear after himself. What rule has she broken then? She didn't name (and wasn't involved in the naming of) the bear after the prophet. She named it after the boy, which is accepted in that culture.

Backward, sick and depraved.

Laura Roberts, London, UK

What a sad and pathetic affair. Yet another example of the hysterical victim culture that all too many Muslims live by. It is high time that sensible moderate Muslims around the world wrest control of their communities and countries away from the vocal, lunatic and dangerous minority that seem to dominate the public profile of the Islamic world. These people need to grow-up, start acting like adults and join the 21st century.

Tim, Atlanta, GA/USA

Thank God for Charles Martel - and indeed Phillipe & Isabella - these people has beliefs that would disgrace Neanderthals.

Dick, London,

After hearing the dissapointing treatment of a 54 year old primary teacher being jailed for allowing children to choose their favourite name for their favourite Teddy, it seems to me that capping immigrantion to avoid having to change European cultures to a culture that jails a 54 old mother and guest teacher to satisfy their citizens lust for hatred must be taken seriously.

Furthermore, the Head of the Unity high school should be ashamed to voice his opinion and accepting the ridiculous verdict. His role is to support his teachers and protect them from unknowns. The School has failed and any good person should leave the dammed place or it could be them next.

Inciting hatred is done by jailing innocents not by naming a Teddy Bear with the most common name in the World !

Joe Bruno, Wales, UK

I would like to suggest cutting off aid from now on - unfortunatly the only people that will harm are the people who need it most. This whole situation is an utter disgrace and makes me sick to my stomach.

Laura, Sussex, England

If the Sudanese law states that what that teacher did is illegal then she should be punished. A parent complained that the naming of the teddy was blasphemous. The court has established that this was the case. That's it.

Well done Sudan. I remember politicians in this country claiming that "zero tolerance" and "crackdowns" on law-breakers would be introduced for anti-social behaviour, using mobiles in moving vehicles, etc, etc. Great trumpetting is always followed by swift collapse.

The Sudanese system has stuck to its principles and punished someone for committing a crime.

Nick Everard, London, England

Unfortunately this incident does not represent the majority of the Muslim world. Most of the Muslim world is moderate..but the West doesn't portray it that way.

Yes, it was an innocent mistake and it is ridiculous that she was given jail time. For goodness sake the children named it. I guess it stresses that one should know the laws of the land.

sallyc, Central Virginia, USA

As a teacher it was her duty to be aware of local sensitivities, and with recent protests over cartoons it is highly unlikely that this woman was oblivious to the possible offense she could cause by her actions. Still she was given a trial and a right to defense, a lot more than most Muslims receive in western countries.

Liam , Wexford, Ireland

The prosecution of this case by the Sudanese religious authorities would seem a far greater ''Incitement of Religous Hatred''

Murder and Rape by Muslim government sponsored gangs perpetrated on the Christians in the South would not appear to fall in this category .

I suggest our government withholds all aid donations until this imbalance is addressed .

Chris Reynolds , Luanda, Angola

I just pray for an Islamic enlightenment in the third world - soon!

Oli, Bicester, UK

Isn't it about time we remembered how to deal with the natives when they behaved in this frightful fashion to a British subject? If the Royal Navy hadn't been run down so much over the years by successive lily-livered governments, we'd have a boat in the Red Sea off the coast of Sudan in a position to get the poor girl out and teach these scoundrels a thing or two in the process.

Commodore James Wemyss (retd.), Wantage, England

I'm a muslim and I'm appalled that this has happened and completely disagree with it. I would hope that many other muslims feel the same. This was an innocent mistake and the whole situation has completely gotten out of hand. Surely there was no need to arrest the teacher involved? A quiet word or changing the name of the teddy bear would have sorted out the situation just fine.

malik, midlands,

So now it is official. Gillian Gibbons is a convicted criminal. What WILL it take for Britons to wake up to the reality of the world in which they live?

Derek Lamb, London,

What has happened in Sudan is terrible - I suspect this teacher is the victim of a wider agenda. Apart form the immorality of blasphemy laws, noone in their right mind could think she has in fact committed blasphemy. The bear was named after a boy, not the prophet muhhamad, and in any case, naming GOODS and PRODUCTS after the prophet muhammad is common in islamic countries for marketing reasons.

The only good thing that has emerged from this horrible, ridiculous debacle is that this has been an issue where british muslim groups have unequivocally condemned the actions of their co-religionists where such actions have been outrageous.

This is surely a good precedent and should demonstrate to the public that not all muslims in britain are violent luncatics - something that is important if Britain, a multi-ethnic, multi-faith society, is to suceed.

FA, London,

Another magnificent own goal for Islam. A teacher goes there to help the benighted country and this is the thanks she gets.
No doubt Muslim businesses in Britain will feel the cold wind of public disapproval.

John, Aberdeen, Scotland

Muslims do not understand the concept of mercy and forgiveness, neither of peace though they spend a good deal of time talking about it , they have yet to demonstrate it in practice. Forget mercy,! Atleast do the Sudan officials have the patience and intellect to approach the hearing with honesty and openness. No, they time and time again demonstrate injustice and impatience in their judgment.
I am sure as well as the rest of the Islamic local community in Sudan are aware of Ms. Gibbons past report, yet they will ignore all her good works and pass fierce judgment on this act of hers. And since when have the Islamic community ever received any reasonable opposing voice to Islam as anything but an insult. Truly they do not understand peace neither do they practice it.

Jane, toronto, Canada

Seek excitement abroad: run risk of danger.

A good reason to stay at home amongst people who understand you and whom you understand.

The world is not ready for globalism.

Paul, Milton Keynes,

Perhaps Britan should rethink its dedication to the " Unity High School, an exclusive British-run institution favoured by the Sudanese elite, " These "elite" certainly showed no compassion for a valued educator that they trusted their children to, but ignored in her time of need.

TPM, Pembroke Pines, USA/ Florida

What do we expect from this Sudanese government? This is a State that winks at slavery and commits genocide against its own peple. The real question is why the West has been treating them with kid gloves for so long.

The next question is what retribution should we take? Withdraw our ambassador? Expel Sudanese diplomats living the life of Reilly in London? Stop aid to Sudan? Bomb Khartoum? We will propbably settle for a stiff note.

Terry Hamblin, Bournemouth, UK

"When in Rome do as the Romans do"
An old saying and still relavant to anyone that travels and works abroad.
Ms Gibbons returns to the Uk unharmed but out of a job,for now.
Reflect if you will on the huge amount of aid given to Sudan for the needy during the problems in Darfur from both voluntary donations and government aid.
Religeon is a hard taskmaster especially when interpreted in a way a leader wishes to interpet it to their own benifit
Sadly religeous leaders will always do so.

Michael Wilkinson, Telford, uk

Ridiculous.

And in the USA, a school recently canceled a planned visit to the cinema to watch Miracle on 34th Street because some parents complained there was "too much Santa Claus" in nthe film.

Erik, Shanghai, China

To everyone in the world with access to the internet: Google "Quran" and then open the link titled "Translations of the Quran" from the website USC.EDU. You will find the entire Quran in three different translations, based on the three main branches of Islamism. It's massive. Read as much as you can and then fear for your lives. The Quran plainly states that all christians and jews are enemies of mohammad and should be dealt with in "horrible fashion". Then, if you haven't seen enough, Google: Ayaan Hirsi Ali and read about a muslim woman who, born in somalia, has had to live her life in fear of constant death threats because she speaks the open truth about what it is to be a woman in a muslim world. I have plenty I could say about this, but better you see for yourself. I'll leave you with this: Islam is not a society of peace.

Daniel, Kansas City, USA

If this poor woman is harmed in any way, Britain should not just cut off aid but send an SAS force to teach a swift lesson.

Deller of Marbella
Your knowledge of Bloody Elizabeth is proof of either brainwashing and or ignorance. Bloody Elizabeth executed in one fashion or another twice the number of Catholics et al, than Good Queen Mary did Protestants. The only thing Good Queen Mary did was to do it more efficiently.

Catholics in Britain were barely tolerated even in the mid 1800s. Even today, Tony Blair, couldn't convert to Catholicism while in office because of Northern Ireland.

David Monier-Williams Scottsdale AZ

David B. Monier-Williams, Scottsdale, US Arizona

These blasphemy accusations are utterly pathetic.. I'm guessing they're actually not very insulted at all, this is more likely an attempt to bully around with the British government, or the EU. Just like the situation with the Bulgarian and Palestinian medical personell in Libya.

Finn, Bergen, Norway

Surely the ones who have brought this silly case to court with all its inevitable publicity will be responsible for inciting any hatred that will ensue as a result.

Geoff, Worcester,

If this is what Islam stands for and means then it deserves to be insulted, and by rather more than the naming of a teddy bear. Utterly pathetic. The school children had more sense than their parents, the government and judiciary.

Fortunately I think most Muslims are more sensible and are rightly embarrassed by this ridiculous overreaction which is just political opportunism.

Paul Owen, Birmingham, UK

Double standards... When we are there - we should be "Romans". When they are here - special treatment. That is wrong. In the US universities can't even have Chrismas trees anymore. NICE... Yet, there is no accommodation for other religions in that part of the world.

DJ, ATL, GA

Britain should withdraw aid to Sudan immediately, pending a full and abject apology for such stupidity and intolerance. Do these authoritarian legal people not have a sense of humour? This is usually defined as the ability to laugh at oneself.

john Howells, Belgrade, Serbia

Why are British muslims so silent on this issue???
It would seem that Islam is so rigid and unwilling to come into the 21st century ... this brutal punishment being given to the schoolteacher is ridiculous.

Maria, Leeds, UK

If the Sudanese verdict on Gillian Gibbons is correct, then All Muslims must now be deported from the UK….. Either way, it will be ‘an innocent mistake’ on my part that I will NEVER again go into my local or any other Muslim owned shop.

Jerzy Owczarski, Manchester, UK

Can we review the aid situation now?

JonB, Glasgow, UK

I understand that 20 of 23 pupils, age 7 years, have chosen the infamous name. Is it not rather those, or their parents, who have failed to teach them about the paranoia of Islam, that should be flogged, inprisoned and fined? Or is Mrs. Gibbons really expected to protect the prophet (I don´t dare mentioning his name) against a crowd of his own 7 years old followers? The problem is that common sense is not common.
Bearing in mind that all muslim coutries demanded that the Danish government took unconstitutional steps against the (...)-drawings in the newspaper "Jyllandsposten", it is quite curious to read that the Sudanese government has no way of influencing the sharia court of law.
Alas. We do not speak the same language, not even if translated.

Ole, Cambridge, UK

Can you imagine if we reversed this and an Islamic Sudanese was jailed in the UK for insulting Christianity in the form of allowing Christian children to name a Teddy Bear Jesus....there would be marches, burning of Union Jacks and claims the West is full out against Islam...I personally find this all very ironic...

TK, London,

I am not in favour of these harsh Moslem laws, but there is a need to show that we respect other countries' laws. If indeed she has broken the law as suggested, then it is right that only a small token punishment has been given. I am sure the shortness of the jail sentence reflects our outrage over here.

There are two issues here:
(1) our agreement/disagreement with the law of that country. Most of us disagree with these inhuman laws but this point is irrelevant here.
(2) the fact of the law being there and having been violated. This is the only relevant point.

Chuck, Bristol, UK

Shocking and unbelievable.

A crying shame indeed.

The poor woman's face radiates only simplicity of heart and mind.

May God give her and her family strength to bear this ordeal.

martina martis, Bombay, India

The original teddy bear was named after Theodore Roosevelt. Did he take this as an insult? No, it was a compliment.
The people have spoken. Our MP's must realise by now, we demand sanctions against this idiotic behaviour. The steps they plan to take against this woman are illegal by European Law. The Sharia courts are criminal courts in more ways than one.
Is it time we brought back the empire? They had respect for us back in those days. Enough is enough. Our politicians must act. This is the kind of thing which could cause the British people to rise up.

Ro, Cheltenham,

I have the same thoughts as Kathryn Dorothy.
Why do we see people who have such a revered name as Mohammad, before the courts up for crimes such as assault, fraud, tax evasion.... the list goes on.
Surely having that moniker throughout your life would embolden you with everything that is right and just.
Do these people then face further prosecutution within their own communities for defamation of the name? I wonder..

Guy Brewer, Auckland, New Zealand

To Graeme in Newcastle

Given that the case is in court now, how do we know "she broke the law"? Seems like like you have judged her already.

KC, Oxford,

"She can take the sentence, write a book about whole episode and make millions." Good heavens, what a cavalier attitude towards someone else's innocent suffering! If that's the case, why don't you volunteer to be flogged and imprisoned in her stead? You could make those alleged millions.

Gregory Baker, Odenton, Maryland, USA

The teddy was named after a child in a class not the Muslim prophet, just like I once had a gold fish named after a certain famous Boxer, not a prophet.

Dan, London, UK

Abe, NY... The Sudanese government is not interested in the welfare of the children. Only in reminding them that it will use the brutality of Sharia law to keep them, and the rest of the population, in line.

Babe, York,

If I close my eyes, I can