A Welsh language campaigner has been sent to prison for a month at a hearing in Caernarfon magistrates court today (Wednesday, 25th November), following his protest against major high street stores' lack of bilingual language services.In April 2008, Osian Jones, from Dyffryn Nantlle, protested against big retailers in north Wales, including Boots and Superdrug, over their lack of basic services for customers in Welsh.The action was part of the Welsh Language Society's campaign for a step-change in the private sector's treatment of the Welsh language. They are calling for a new Language Act to covering these retailers, in order for the language to be promoted and normalised in everyday life.Speaking after the verdict, Menna Machreth Jones, Chair of the Welsh Language Society, said:"Direct action is the last step in any campaign we run. Osian took this step because the people of Wales don't have the right to see and use the Welsh language. It's very sad that we're got a system which puts the profits of large multinational companies ahead of the right for everyone in Wales to enjoy the Welsh language. These companies who show extreme disregard for Welsh do not deserve compensation; they should be paying us for making the language invisible."

"Cymdeithas calls on the government to make these massive firms, like Superdrug and Boots, provide a basic service in Welsh. Unfortunately, the government of Wales won't have sufficient powers to do this, even after their latest bid for powers from London.""These companies are ignoring public opinion. 76% of the public agree that bilingual marketing and signage is important and 81% believe that training staff to learn Welsh is as well."None of the businesses targeted by Osian are included in the draft Welsh language order which is currently in front of the UK Parliament.Speaking before his sentence, language campaigner Osian Jones, said:"The companies we use day-to-day don't do enough to reflect the nature of Welsh communities with high numbers of people who speak Welsh as a first langauge. Hopefully my imprisonment will make other people realise how bad these companies really are and how little respect they show to Wales. After all, all we want is for these companies to let the Welsh language live and thrive."Cymdeithas yr Iaith have sent a letter to Superdrug and Boots asking for their reaction to Osian Jones's imprisonment.Court for activist who didn't back down - morningstaronline.co.uk