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Without commenting on the Sudanese legal system, I noticed a rather hypocritical approach on the part of the British media and public with regard to the school teacher who allowed a teddy bear to be named Mohammed. The tabloid press and grumblers in the pub, all complain about immigrants who fail to learn our language, way of life and fail to respect our laws. This argument is often wheeled out when so-called ‘Honour Killings’ occur in our hallowed land.

I would just like to point out that, whatever the merits or otherwise of the Sudanese legal system, this teacher was an immigrant to Sudan who had an obligation to arm herself with knowledge and understanding of that country’s situation. Naivety is no defence. As a casual observer of world events I am fully aware that Sudan is in upheaval with a fundamentalist element guilty of instigating mass murder and rape. I would not choose to go to a country in such a state without a uniform and a gun. The same applies to several countries that are currently no place for a friednly school teacher who has no idea.

Of course I do not think that naming a teddy after the prophet deserves 40 lashes -but that is why I stay in England or other countries with similarly liberal legal systems. The problem is not Sudan’s laws, but English arrogance.