Gwenno Teifi (full name Gwenno Teifi Ffransis, born 1987) is a Welsh language activist from Llanfihangel-ar-Arth, Wales. In February 2006 she became the first member of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (The Welsh Language Society) to serve a jail sentence for a language protest in 11 years.[1]

Radio Carmarthenshire protest and jailing

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Gwenno was arrested along with four other language protestors on 24 July 2004 at the studios of Radio Carmarthenshire in Narberth and charged with criminal damage.[2] She was jailed after refusing to pay the £200 compensation to Radio Carmarthenshire ordered by Carmarthen Magistrates Court.[3] She was sentenced to five days beginning 13 February 2006 at Eastwood Park Prison in Gloucestershire but released after three days for good behaviour.

Brantano's protest and second jailing

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She was jailed a second time in July 2007 for refusing to pay a fine in connection with a language protest at Brantano's shoe store in Aberystwyth in October 2006.[4]

Morrisons supermarket protest and arrest

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Gwenno was arrested again in connection with a language protest at Morrisons supermarket in Bangor on 27 January 2007.[5] She was not jailed.

Education

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Gwenno has a degree in Welsh and International Politics from Aberystwyth University.[1]

Post-graduation

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Gwenno worked in a Christian Mission House in Amsterdam, and is currently a Youth Officer in the Presbyterian Church of Wales. [6]

Family background

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Her father is long-time Welsh language activist Ffred Ffransis, currently the education spokesperson for Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, and her mother is another well-known activist, Meinir Ffransis (nee Evans). Thus Gwenno's grandfather was Gwynfor Evans, the first member of Plaid Cymru elected to Parliament.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "First language protester locked up in 11 years". icNorthWales. 14 February 2006. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
  2. ^ "Language society leader must pay out after protest". icNorthWales. 20 April 2005. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
  3. ^ "Gwenno sentenced to 5 days in prison". Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg. 13 February 2006. Retrieved 10 March 2008.
  4. ^ "Language campaigner jailed for second time". Daily Post. 30 October 2014. Retrieved 10 March 2008.
  5. ^ "3 protesters arrested at supermaket blockade". Indymedia. 27 January 2007. Retrieved 10 March 2008.
  6. ^ "John a Rachel yn cyfarfod Gwenno Teifi". 11 September 2009.
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