A British school teacher in Sudan was arrested today after allowing her students to name a teddy bear after the Islam prophet Muhammad, a charge that carries 40 lashes and up to six months in prison.
Gillian Gibbons, 40, had been teaching her students about animals, reported the Associated Press, and asked them to choose a name for a stuffed bear one had brought to class.
The choice of Muhammad is what put Gibbons in hot water after parents took offence and started to complain. The prophet’s name is popularly given to Muslims but is considered an insult when applied to animals.
Gibbons was charged with inciting religious hatred under article 125 of the Sudanese legal code, a charge which carries 40 lashes, six months in prison and a legal fine.
British Foreign secretary David Milliband has called the Sudanese ambassador to discuss the case and many in that country are calling for Gibbons release
After the teacher came under media fire, the Unity High School in Kharton where Gibbons taught, released a public apology highlighting the schools “deep respect” for “Muslims and their beliefs.”
Sudan’s legal system reflects Islam’s Sharia law, says the AP, which punishes sternly blasphemy and any form of representation of the prophet Muhammad.
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