Two leading members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg will appear before Pwllheli Magistrates Court at 10.30 am Friday October 17th . Steffan Cravos, former Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg and Osian Jones, Cymdeithas organiser in north Wales have been charged with criminal damage. This follows their arrest last June (along with two other Cymdeithas members who will not appear in court) for painting slogans demanding justice for the Welsh language on premises belonging to Boots and Superdrug in Caernarfon, Bangor, Pwllheli and Llangefni. This was as part of a Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg campaign for a New Welsh language Act that would have powers extending to the private sector.

“Osian Jones, speaking on behalf of the two defendants said:"For some reason this court case has faced many hold ups and delays, but it will know be taking place at a crucial time in the campaign for a New Welsh Language Measure since we are eagerly waiting for an announcement on this matter from the Welsh Assembly Government in the near future. I believe we have shown far too much patience on this issue and it is significant that the court case will be held only a week before our National Rally in Aberystwyth. Entitled A Comprehensive Language Measure. Our Final Warning the rally will take place at the Morlan Centre in the town at 2 o' clock on Saturday October 25th . The rally is a clear sign that our patience with the Assembly Government has come to an end."