Gillian Gibbons' Teddy Bear

It seems that ever since the controversy of Gillian Gibbons started, not many people have come to understand the full story. For even in Sudan many do not know what happened. So my aim here is to give you the story in brief.
Who she is:
British female teacher, 54, in Sudan.
Her Class:
A total of 23 children, 6-7 years old.
Genesis of her travails:
She sought a name from among her class pupils for a teddy bear to be used for a writing project. A seven-year-old boy suggested Muhammad and 20 out of the 23 pupils voted in favor of the name.
The Whistle Blowers:
Some fellow school teachers reported the matter to the ministry of education in Sudan. The Aftermath
The school was closed and the teacher was suspended, arrested, and charged to court on three counts: insulting of religion, inciting hatred, and showing contempt for religious belief.
Protests:
There were worldwide protests by individuals and organizations in favor and against. The British government condemned the arrest and trial and summoned the Sudanese ambassador in London for questioning. The US government also opposed the treatment.
What the law says:
There is no Sharia or Islamic law in Sudan. But the criminal law forbids contempt for religion.
Punishment:
If found guilty, she would get one year in jail, or 40 strokes of the cane, or fine.
What people say:
:"Storm in a tea cup."
"Trivialities."
"Insult against Islam and the prophet."
"Commonsense is lacking."
:"Punish the teacher."
"It's all madness!"
Court Verdict:
Found guilty on one count charge of insulting religion. Jailed 15 days with deportation after sentence.
What her British MP said:
"It's very disappointing."
What the Archbishop of Canterbury said:
"Disproportionate reponse."
Muslims' problems:
Terrorism, inequality, discrimination, labeling.
Sudan's problems:
Wars, genocide, refugees, poverty.
Last Word:
When standing with his friend, Abubakir, Muhammad kept mum when a man came and mounted a barrage of insults at him, but spoke and cautioned his friend when he came to his defense. Lesson: Why not solve your multifaceted problems and leave the prophet to fight for himself.
Arthur Zulu is a writer and publisher.
For more of his works, go to:
http://www.arthurbookhouse.com/
E-mail: info@arthurbookhouse.com