The Muslim Council of Britain deeply regrets the decision of the Sudanese authorities to jail the schoolteacher Gillian Gibbons over the naming of a teddy bear.

"This case should have required only simple common sense to resolve. It is unfortunate that the Sudanese authorities were found wanting in this most basic of qualities. They grossly overreacted in this sad affair and this episode. Gillian should never have been arrested, let alone charged and convicted of committing a crime. We hope that Gillian will be able to return home without much further delay," said Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain.