Update: The Heinous Teddy Bear of Blasphemy - Teacher Charged
Charles Johnson
Wed Nov 28, 2007 at 8:56 am PST • Views: 406
The British teacher in Sudan who let her students name a teddy bear “Mohammed” has been charged with “insulting religion,” as degenerate “militants” call for demonstrations after Friday prayers.
A British teacher who faces 40 lashes after naming a teddy bear Mohammed has been charged with insulting religion, showing contempt for religious belief, and inciting hatred.
The grim news for Gillian Gibbons, 54, came as Islamic militants called for demonstrations after Friday prayers in a bid for tough action.
“Khartoum north prosecution unit has completed its investigation and has charged the Briton Gillian (Gibbons) under Article 125 of the criminal code,” SUNA state media said, quoting a senior Justice Ministry official. It added the file would go before court on Thursday. Gibbons was expected to appear.
Mrs Gibbons has been accused of insulting the Prophet Mohammed after giving a class teddy bear the sacred first name.
Lawyers say the teacher, who is from Liverpool, could face 40 lashes, a fine, or six months in jail if convicted.
UPDATE at 11/28/07 9:26:12 am:
What it’s like to be lashed: ‘My whole back felt like it was on fire’: As a British teacher faces 40 lashes, one man speaks out.
Frank says: