'Teddy bear' woman in court
Updated on 29 November 2007
Facing Sudanese justice in court - the British teacher who let her class call a teddy bear Mohammed is about to be told her fate. The Foreign Secretary calls for common sense.
Gillian Gibbons arrived in court this morning - looking tired and distressed. Charged with insulting religion and inciting hatred by naming a teddy bear Mohammad she could face 40 lashes or prison.
There are no images yet from the court today. Clearly the case has made security teams tense. Journalists have not been allowed in and many cameramen have been arrested outside.
Her defence team has called other teachers from the school as witnesses - including the Muslim assistant who was in the classroom at the time the teddy bear was named. They will tell the court - it was just an innocent mistake - with no insult intended.
The prosecution will produce this letter sent by Mrs Gibbons to parents - asking them to invite the teddy bear - named Mohammad - to family parties.
The case has made the headlines in Khartoum - and stirred the protests of the some religious leaders. It seems to have divided opinion here - between those who simply want Gillian Gibbons to apologise. And those who believe she should face prison - or worse.
This is fast becoming a serious diplomatic incident. The Sudanese ambassador is meeting the Foreign Secretary now; Britain could threaten to expel diplomats, limit trade or remove £100m in government aid. But last night the Sudanese embassy insisted it could do nothing saying it could interfere with the course of law.
This morning Gordon Brown has spoken to Mrs Gibbon's family - promising all assistance will be made available. And the Foreign Secretary called on the Sudanese court - for common sense to prevail.
