Supporting Jamie Bevan

Last night, before the release of Jamie Bevan, members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith, the Welsh Language Society, placed stickers stating "Jamie Bevan Prison for the Language" in Carmarthen town.

Jamie Bevan was jailed for 35 days by Merthyr Magistrates Court on August 13 for refusing to pay a fine after he had received correspondence in English only.

One of the campaigners said:
" We wanted to show our clear support for the brave stand Jamie has taken for everyone who wants to receive Welsh services by the courts and to draw people's attention to his stand.

Before his court case Jamie received correspondence in English only despite asking for bilingual correspondence every time, and receiving appologies and promises that it would not happen again. During his time in jail he also insisted on a Welsh provision, as this was not available it meant he lost out on basic services expected for prisoners.

In a letter to the Welsh language Comissioner, Meri Huws, Jamie Bevan has stressed that it is not for himself he has been fighting but in order to ensure a Welsh language service in the courts and prisons for anyone wants it.

Bethan Williams, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:

"Jamie Bevan will be released tomorrow and even though he did get some Welsh services after insisting on them nothing has really chaned.
"The courts and jails are just an example, there is a lack of Welsh language services and the tockenistic attitude of the court and the jail, although unacceptable, is what we have become used to."

Supporting Jamie Bevan

Members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith, the Welsh Language Society, have placed stickers stating "Jamie Bevan Prison for the Language" on the Court of Magistrates and Crown Court Caaernarfon.

This takes place after Jamie Bevan was jailed for 35 days by Merthyr Magistrates Court on August 13 for refusing to pay a fine after he had received correspondence in English only.

Osian Jones, organizer of the Association in the North, said -

"We targeted the Magistrates Court and Crown Court in Caernarfon last night in order to clearly show our support for the brave stand Jamie has taken for everyone who wants to receive Welsh services by the courts. Before his court case Jamie repeatedly received correspondence in English only, even though he had asked every time for bilingual correspondence and received apologies. "

Menna Marchreth Chair of Gwynedd / Anglesey Branch of Cymdeithas yr Iaith added:

"The courts have insulted and Jamie and the Welsh language and the prison continue to do so. Welsh forms have not been available to Jamie during his time in prison, although promises had been made that this would change the prison has not taken it seriously and dealt with the problem of a lack of Welsh services for prisoners.
"The courts and the prisons are just an example, ther is a lack of Welsh language services in all areas."

Welsh Language Services - Back to Square one?

After more than a week in HMP Cardiff, Jamie Bevan is yet to receive basic forms in Welsh and there is concern that the process will begin again as Jamie is moved to Prescoed, Monmouthshire today (Wednesday 22 August).

Bethan Williams, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, the Welsh Language Society, said:

"The prison has treated Jamie as an individual, asking him to write his meal choices and registration details of visitors on a blank page instead of the prison provide Welsh language forms. Will this happen to every prisoner who want any form in Welsh? It is clear to see that there is no real change, and that the prison has not addressed the fundamental problem of the lack of Welsh language service."

"It is likely that no Welsh service available in prison Prescoed either, and Jamie will have to ask for everything in Welsh again from scratch and continue to suffer injustice."

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