Press influence on Mrs Gibbons case?

This is indeed an example of the pressure of the media, as Mrs Gibbons has become a general talking point and even British Muslims have been outspoken in condemning the harshness of her treatment, although whether this is because they feel strongly about it or are anxious to dissociate themselves from this treatment of someone for an inocuous act for fear of repercussions, it is hard to say. Normally the local consul would want to keep his head down in order not to upset the status quo, but the local consul in this case is pressurised into doing something as, indeed, is the FCO, which in other circumstances would take so long to get through the process of considering the matter that the person concerned would be out of gaol by the time they got round to sorting it out. Even, that is, if the sentence had not been a mere two weeks' imprisonment. One can imagine a longer sentence being imposed away from the hostile gaze of the rest of the world. Yes, the press has played a great role here. When one individual writes a letter it can be set aside. When many thousands of people are clamouring to see justice done one cannot ignore their voice.

Quite true, scarey isnt it