Top Sochi Minister: We Have Surveillance Video Cameras In Hotel Showers
var addthis_config = {“data_track_addressbar”:true};
If you think Americans are concerned about security at the Sochi Winter Olympics, wait until you hear the extreme measures and privacy violations Russia has admitted — and the disastrous state of the facilities.
“Rooms without doorknobs, locks or heat, dysfunctional toilets, surprise early-morning fire alarms and a Welcome Wagon of stray dogs: These are the initial images of the 2014 Winter Olympics that foreign journalists have blasted around the world from their officially assigned hotels—and the wave of criticism has rankled Russian officials,” the Wall Street Journal notes.
Dmitry Kozak, the very defensive Russian deputy prime minister in charge of preparations for the Olympic Games, complained to reporters this morning about what he sees as attempts by Westerners to sabotage the reputation of Russia’s ability to successfully host the Games.
Kozak “reflected the view held among many Russian officials that some Western visitors are deliberately trying to sabotage Sochi’s big debut out of bias against Russia,” the Journal reports:
“We have surveillance video from the hotels that shows people turn on the shower, direct the nozzle at the wall and then leave the room for the whole day,” he said. An aide then pulled a reporter away before Mr. Kozak could be questioned further on surveillance in hotel rooms. “We’re doing a tour of the media center,” the aide said.
[Bolding ours]
Oops.
Apparently that wasn’t supposed to be public information.
Add that slip to a report from last year that found, as The New Civil Rights Movement reported, the Russian government will be monitoring “all communications†thanks to a complete takeover of telecommunications laws and technology by Vladimir Putin‘s government, in Sochi, during the 2014 Winter Olympics.
That report cited a professor who described the Russian system as akin to the NSA’s spying systems “on steroids.”
Â
Image by Wayne Drehs via Twitter
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.