A hearing in Carmarthen's Magistrate Court was disrupted today when 25 members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith occupied the room when it became clear that it wasn't possible to conduct the case through the medium of Welsh. Cymdeithas member Gwenno Teifi - an 18 year old from Llanfihangel-ar-arth - was in court for refusing to pay the costs and compensation of £200 following a protest in Carmarthenshire Radio's studio in 2004.

The Magistrates were forced to leave the room that was occupied by Cymdeithas yr Iaith's members for 20 minutes and the police were called in. After the protest was held in the court room for 20 minutes, Cymdeithas' members decided to leave incase their presence interrupted other hearings that were due in court that morning. Gwenno's case was adjourned until the 6th of March.Gwenno Teifi said:"It's a disgrace that my court case couldn't be heard in the Welsh Language. The court in Carmarthen has had plenty of time to find a panel of Welsh speakers to conduct my case. Welsh language services and provisions in Carmarthen's Magistrates Court has deteriorated. I will now have to wait until the 6th of March for my new court case."Gwenno Teifi took part in a campaign against Carmarthenshire Radio, 2 years ago, when Cymdeithas campaigned for more provision through the Welsh language on the station.Catrin Dafydd, Cymdeithas yr Iaith's Welsh Language Act Group Chair, said"The situation today highlights yet again the need for a New Welsh Language Act. No one should have to ask for a court case through the medium of Welsh. Especially so in an area where 50% of the population speaks Welsh. Every defendant should have the right to have their court case through the medium of Welsh and English."She added:"Gwenno Teifi faces imprisonment for drawing attention to the need of a firmer Act on the Welsh language in the context of private radio companies. The irony that the case was adjourned today is that it once again highlights the need for a New Welsh Language Act. An Act that will allow people to live through the medium of Welsh or English in Wales."