Two arrested over New Welsh Language Act.

Gweithred Angharad a SiwanAt 7.30 o’clock this morning, Tuesday the 15th of November, a further two members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg were arrested for painting a slogan on the walls of the Welsh Office in Cathays Park, Cardiff. This is the sixth in a series of direct actions drawing attention to the need for a New Welsh Language Act.

Thus far, fifteen members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg have been arrested in order to ensure that the need for a New Welsh Language Act receives the full attention of Rhodri Morgan and his Labour government. The members arrested today are Siwan Thomas and Angharad Clwyd. They are being held at Cardiff Central police station.gweithred-angharad-siwan1.jpgAssembly Security Staff also arrested the cameraman of S4C’s current Affairs program 'Y Byd ar Bedwar' who was there filming, but he was quickly released without charge. The police have confiscated the camera and tape. We understand that 'Y Byd ar Bedwar' are going to make an official complaint because of the heavy handed way the cameraman was treated, and because the police unlawfully confiscated their equipment.Steffan Cravos, chairman of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, said:"The Welsh Language Society is calling for the resignation of Rhodri Morgan owing to his inability to discuss the future of the language. It is now impossible for the Welsh Assembly’s Labour government to ignore the need for a New Welsh Language Act, - there is a general consensus for the need for a New Language Act."gweithred-angharad-siwan2.jpg"Following the calling in of the Welsh Language Board into the Welsh Assembly, it is completely obvious that a discussion is needed regarding what is to be put in its place. Moreover, the Language Act of 1993 has become largely irrelevant to our lives today.""It does not ensure rights for the user in Wales. It is also the norm for social legislation to be revised every decade. The Assembly government are not fulfilling their duty because they refuse to demand the revision of the present Act. They are neglecting the needs of the people of Wales."The campaign of direct action will continue until Christmas, with a number of court cases tio be heard in the next few weeks.