This morning, at Cardiff Magistrates Court, the Judge that was presiding over the case against two members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith (Welsh Language Society) refused toaccept the Assembly Government’s call for compensation.

Hywel Griffiths form Carmarthen and Huw Lewis from Aberystwyth faced charges of criminal damage after being arrested for painting the slogan ‘Deddf iaith – Dyma’r Cyfle’ (Welsh Language Act – Now's the Time!) on the walls of the Assembly Government’s headquarters as part of the society’s campaign for a New Welsh Language Act.Following this particular action, the Government had made a compensation claim of £2000, but failed to provide any evidence to support this claim. As a result, the judge refused the claim. Instead, he the defendants to pay a total of £750 in fines and costs.This is the second time in two weeks where a case against members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith has ‘hit the buffers’. Last week the case against 4 members was thrown out because the CPS had failed to prepare their case in time!Catrin Dafydd, leader of the campaign for a new Welsh Language Act said:"Today’s court case was the second in a series against members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith. Since the beginning of October fifteen members have been arrested after taking part in the direct action campaign calling for a New Welsh Language Act. The aim of this action is to emphasise to Rhodri Morgan and his Labour administration that there is a serious need to provide further legislation to safeguard the rights of Welsh language."Also in court this morning, in order to add support to the call for a New Welsh Language Act, was Leanne Wood, Assembly Member for South Wales Central.Article from the South Wales Echo