Refusal to hold court case in Welsh in Llanelli an insult

Cymdeithas yr Iaith called a judge’s decision to reject farmers’ requests to hold court proceedings in Welsh an insult to the Welsh language and a further example of the need to strengthen the Welsh Language Measure 2011 and extend the rights of the people of Wales to speak Welsh.

On Monday, April 7th, 13 farmers will appear before the court in Llanelli for refusing access to their land to GreenGen, who wants to install pylons on the land. The farmers’ wish is that the trial is held in Welsh, but the District Judge, Mr Lincoln, has refused that request.
The Courts and Tribunals Service is not included under the Welsh Language Standards system, although it would be possible to include them if the Welsh Government and the Welsh Language Commissioner decided to do so. At present, evidence can be given in Welsh in court, but a request must be made for documentation in Welsh and for court proceedings to be held in Welsh. Under the current system, a Judge can decide to reject or accept such requests.

Sian Howys on behalf of Cymdeithas yr Iaith said:
“This is a completely unacceptable situation which shows that our justice system as it stands discriminates against Welsh speakers. The fact that you have to apply for a court case and for documents in Welsh in the first place means that the Welsh language is treated less favourably, not to mention that the Judge has discretion to refuse such an application, as in this case, which shows that there is a lack of a fundamental right to use the Welsh language. It is clear that Welsh Language Standards need to be imposed on the Courts and Tribunals Service, so that the Welsh language will not be treated less favourably, and so that people don’t have to request or fight for Welsh language services which should be freely and easily available as a right.”

The Judge has confirmed that it will be possible for the farmers and any other witnesses to speak Welsh in the court on Monday morning, and that simultaneous translation will be provided, but according to Cymdeithas yr Iaith, that is less favourable and the hearing should be held in Welsh, without the need for translation, in order to ensure justice for everyone.

Sian Howys added
“This is not the way to go about ensuring environmental sustainability. Such initiatives should empower local communities and be led from grassroots level instead of serving the interests of big corporations that trample on communities and undermine them with their plans. The Welsh language and the continuity of agricultural communities is as much a part of sustainability as is changing the way we produce electricity. There are already several examples in Wales of renewable energy projects contributing to the prosperity of communities while also creating green energy.”