streets in Khartoum, some of them waving swords and machetes, demanding Gibbons's execution after imams denounced her during Friday prayers. During the march, chants of "Shame, shame on the UK", "No tolerance – execution" and "Kill her, kill her by firing squad" were heard. Witnesses reported that government employees were involved in inciting the protests. Gibbons was then moved to a secret location because of fears for her safety. Release In an attempt to push for the release of Gibbons, two British Muslim peers, Lord Ahmed and Baroness Warsi, visited Sudan with hopes of talking to the country's President Omar al-Bashir. While the two British politicians were meeting the President on 3 December, it was announced that Gibbons was to be released from prison having been granted a Presidential pardon. After eight days in prison, she was released into the care of the British embassy in Khartoum and then returned to Liverpool after issuing a written statement saying: "I have a great respect for the Islamic religion and would not knowingly offend anyone." Aftermath The school was closed until January 2008 for the safety of pupils and staff, as reprisals were feared. See also Freedom of religion in Sudan Innocence of Muslims Mariam Yahia Ibrahim Ishag, sentenced to death for apostasy in Sudan References External links 2007 in Sudan 2007 in Islam Religion in Sudan Islam-related controversies Blasphemy People prosecuted for blasphemy Sudan–United Kingdom relations Teddy bears