Nine members arrested following chain protest

At 12.30 PM nine members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg were arrested for chaining themselves to the froont door of the old Welsh Office building in Cathays Park. The protesters decided to chain themselves to this government building to draw attention to the need for a new Welsh language act.

The nine are Gwenno Teifi from Llanfihangel-ar-Arth, Siwan Tomos from Aberteifi, Lowri Johnston from Carmarthen, Ceri Phillips from Llanrwst, Geraint Rhys Edwards from Dolgellau, Lowri Mair Jones from Llanfechell, Leusa Flur Llewelyn from Llanuwchlyn, Angharad Clwyd and Sara Davies.

The direct action has taken place during the period of consultation by the Welsh Assembly's Labour government on the abolition of the Welsh Language Board, and a month before Cymdeithas yr Iaith Welsh Language Act Festival.

Catrin Dafydd, chair of Welsh Language Act group of Cymdeithas yr Iaith, said:

"Time after time, Minister Alun Pugh has refused to discuss new legislation for the Welsh language and refuses to attend meetings. There is a consensus amongst all other parties regarding this issue but the Welsh Assembly Government continues to ignore the discussion."

"Throughout Europe, establishing a series of language rights is a core part of any language legislation. The Welsh language must receive the same official status. This status will set a precedent for establishing a series of language rights. Rights for anyone who chooses to make Wales his or her home. In addition, the Welsh language should have a Commissioner to represent it, similar to the Children’s Commissioner. The propposed Dyfarnydd will have no power."

This action comes a month before Cymdeithas yr Iaith's rally 'Rali Fawr' in Aberystwyth on the 10th of June. In this rally, groups such, as UCAC, UMCA and Merched y Wawr will state their support for a new Welsh language act. Plaid Cymru leader, Ieuan Wyn Jones will also address the meeting. Bands, poets and rappers will also show their support, and Hywel Teifi Edwards will pay tribute to Eileen Beasley's contribution to politics in Wales.

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