A British teacher jailed for allowing her students to name a teddy bear "Mohammed" had left Khartoum on a flight home, media reported Tuesday.
Gillian Gibbons received Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir's pardon on Monday after three days of negotiations between British delegation and Sudanese officials.
The 54-year-old teacher was sentenced to 15 days in jail by a Sudanese court for insulting Islam's prophet last Thursday. Without a pardon, she would have remained in jail another six days.
In a written statement released by the presidential palace, Gibbons said she was sorry if she caused any "distress."
"I have a great respect for the Islamic religion and would not knowingly offend anyone," Gibbons said in the statement. "I am looking forward to seeing my family and friends, but I am very sorry that I will be unable to return to Sudan."
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown welcomed news of Gibbons' pardon.
"I was delighted and relieved to hear the news that Gillian Gibbons is to be freed. Common sense has prevailed," Brown said.
Source: Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article