The Gillian Gibbons question. What do you think?

Question

Gillian Gibbons has now been sentenced to fifteen days in prison, but a thousand Sudanese demonstrated today, asking for her to be put to death. I wonder if anyone watched 'Have I Got News For You' tonight when they mentioned the case. Clive Anderson called these people vindictive, raving nutters.. What is your feeling about this comment? Even muslims in this country are appalled at what is happening to this lady. Does anyone think that the British government should take action against Sudan? Are the Sudanese taking this just a step too far?

I've heard stupid answers to questions before, but Robert C takes the cake here. What a moronic reply.

Phil M. People are offended by this? I can't see why. Maybe the Witnesses will demonstrate and ask for you to be put to death, but I doubt it.

A good point made there by Dee. This woman that reported her was one of her colleagues who obviously knew it was a mistake. Adn they certainly should get her out of there as soon as possible. I'll be willing to bet that she won't want to work in a muslim country again after this, and who can blame here?

Nicely said Trish as well. What is it with this country that we bow to all minor religions and races that have come here to drain our resources? This is primarily a Christian country, but our rights and customs are being eroded because of political correctness. We should do as these countries do and deport anyone that goes against our beliefs (I do draw the line at execution however). This country has been for so long so very weak when it comes to the law. If a Briton makes improper remarks against those of another race (a case in the paper today where someone got prosecuted for calling a Welsh person English!!!), or against someone of homosexual persuasion, he or she faces imprisonment. Yet these extreme muslims here (not all muslims come under this heading), are allowed free speech that is full of hatred against this country and other western countries. We need a government that will govern for the British.

Having seen all the replies so far, I know one thing for sure. This is going to be a very difficult one to judge, so many good points have been made here. I agree with the comments about double standards and also about withdrawing any aid from Sudan.

I also agree that British people should be very wary about travelling and working in countries that are predominantly muslim. Our religion and beliefs will never be compatible with Islam, they are too far apart.

More good comments there from Phil D and da. It's true; what will Sudan do now if another disaster falls upon them. Call on Mohammed, no doubt. But where has he been when they had problems before? I find it very sad that people are so besotted with religion that they cannot see what is happening in the real world. People have said for years that Jehovan's Witnesses, Mormons, etc. are brainwashed. But what is happening in these third world countries? At least Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons can take criticism aimed at them without asking for the critics to be put to death. The same goes for the Jews, hindus and sikhs, and various other religions. If muslims want to take over the world, as they say they are going to do, I think they should start to tread more softly.

That was a very touching comment by smiler as well. This lady went to a foreign country to teach, to help out the impoverished and has been subjected to a terrible and terrifying ordeal. We can only feel sorry for her and her family for what she is going through. It was her ambition to teach abroad and these people have no right to treat her this way when she was only trying to help them. It seems that sometimes religion wipes common sense from the brain, especially in cases like this.

Having seen today's newspaper, with pictures of those thousands of Sudanese carrying sticks, swords, etc., calling for her to be put to death, I can only surmise one thing. These are not religious people, they are not normal people, they are crazed fanatics. And what sort of a country is it where the people are allowed to carry such weapons in public. Britain should immediately withdraw its millions of pounds of aid from Sudan.

Answer 1

I think the whole case is appalling and if she has to suffer 15 days and deportation,she will have done well when you compare it with what was threatened.. However,Sudanese demonstrating for the death penalty is outrageous. I'm in UK and dislike all British traditions being outlawed because they may offend immigrants .. Even our children's Nativity play at Christmas is to be scrapped for fear of offending other religions...So,let's just go and kill anyone who disagrees with us...What a bloody mess this world is in !!!!!!!!!!

Answer 2

There are those who condemn the surprise shown over this issue - well what happened to tolerance or don't we bother with that? Some hardliners are demanding death - why? What happened to Islam being a peaceful faith or is that when it suits? I'm just thankful that the sentence has been condemned in the UK as this is showing that not all muslims are the same.

And for those saying that she was going to a different country with different cultures/beliefs and should abide by them - just remember that this goes both ways. What about those who want Sharia law brought into the UK? Or shall we not talk about that? So called 'honour killings'? Drinking/drug use by some which goes against the Koran? Buying lottery tickets? The double standards are breathtaking.

As for HIGNFY - I think they were making a point about freedom of speech, there again it will be interesting to see if the participants are threatened with death over the coming days...

Answer 3

It’s about time someone set the record straight here. 1. Images of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) are NOT forbidden in Shia Islam. If this is what Gibbons genuinely intended (which, as a lowly paid expat teacher, I suspect not), then, she has done nothing wrong anyway. 2. I have taught in the Middle East for seven years. Some of my male students are called “Mohammed” – so you can name your son after the Prophet (PBUH), but not a teddy bear? LET”S GET REAL HERE PEOPLE! 3. If the reference to the Prophet was “genuine”, then the original letter home from Ms Gibbons to Sudanese parents should have included the suffix PBUH (Peace Be Upon Him), if it was genuinely meant to be a reference to the Prophet of Allah, Mohammed (PBUH). Ms Gibbons has been imprisoned unfairly by so-called Sudanese Muslims who have misinterpreted Islam. Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) would not have approved. He believed in religious toleration and was a good man. If Islam has a problem witha teddybear, then it has fundamental problems within. It is a great religion, but one which is seemingly at odds with itself. I urge any Muslim who remains critcial of Ms Gibbons, to watch the film "The Message" (1976).

Answer 4

He has, unlike some, got the right to an opinion...although I find it highly suspicious that the marches came after Friday Prayers.....

The Government are sending two muslim MP's to talk to the Sudanese PM....any way they did little over Darfur why change the habit of a lifetime.

I keep saying this is out of proportion and if common sense had prevailed the stupid Sara woman who reported the teacher would have pointed out the "mistake" to the teacher or the head thereby forgoing all this fuss......

However the court issued a 15 day jail term and as this is the sentence she should serve it and be deported as quickly and secretively as possible..

Answer 5

First off, she should have known how sensitive the situation was & never have named the teddy bear mohammed.
Secondly, these demonstrators obviously do not realise the negative thoughts they are placing in the minds of the world by this, what can only be described as, lunatic behaviour.
Finally, this woman should serve her sentence, whether people think it is too harsh ot toon lenient, & get out of the country.
Hopefully, it will make her think before she acts in future. for a teacher, she does not seem to have much common sense.

Answer 6

I'm really cross with them. Are they trying to provoke us? And if they are then why? What do they want?

There is more to this than meets the eye. HMG is the second largest provider of international aid. Then there is Darfur. We probably don't know the whole storey

We can also probably assume that those demos today with the people with knives and sticks and calling for her to be killed are being fed some pretty poisonous lies.
We ought to cut the head off that snake. I'm so cross about it I'd advocate airstrikes. But I know that that wouldn't do any good. Lets get this woman home, lets not go to Sudan to nurse, teach or support. Lets cut off their aid. Screw them.

Answer 7

We have now have to close their Embassy and send them a packing.It is barbaric how they are treating this poor woman but be warned fanatical lunatics we wont tolerate this type of behaivour to a British Citizen never.You must not hurt the woman and send her back home safely.You are harming the already strained relations we have with the muslims here.Sudan, a cesspot country they are treading on thin ice at what they are doing.

Answer 8

What I can't understand is how millions of Muslim's can allow themselves to be brain washed into believing,that when they die the will get seventy virgins. What if you live to be a hundred years old ,what good will a seventy virgins be to you,you would be lucky to get it up once! never mind seventy times. Doesn't any one of them question it. Don't they know paradise is here on earth, that is why "wine women and song " was invented. But i suppose you can't teach the unteachable.

Answer 9

The Sudanese are almost making Mohammad Godlike

Answer 10

I think this shows the kind of people that we have been raising money for in the past during times of drought , good luck next time .. you have shown your true colours , stock up now , I fear you will be getting JACK ...