Two Welsh language activists were slapped with fines yesterday for spraying slogans onto Welsh government buildings — but both have refused to pay. 

Robin Farrar and Bethan Williams said they would not hand over the £90 compensation they were ordered to pay by Aberystwyth magistrates. 

The pair are the former and current leaders of the militant Welsh Language Society.

They were arrested on May 12 after daubing “addysg Gymraeg i bawb” — “Welsh education for all” — on the entrance to the Welsh government offices in Aberystwyth.

It was part of a campaign of direct action aimed at securing policies to save the Welsh language in the wake of last year’s census results that revealed a looming crisis.

Welsh language education for all, fair funding for language schemes and planning laws that protect the language are among the society’s six demands. 

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Farrar said their campaign had set the agenda on the state of the language.

“As campaigners, we have a duty to show that taking action is possible,” he said.

“That’s why we published our own alternative Planning Bill, that’s why our supporters are filling in postcards about education and planning and that’s why we broke the law and took responsibility for our actions.”

The court verdict came on the day that the Eisteddfod — an annual Welsh language festival attended by thousands — began in Llanelli.

Ms Williams added: “What we, and a number of others have done has contributed to democracy, and encouraged discussion.”