Epic shame for Hungary as axe murderer Ramil Safarov extradited to Azerbaijan to be pardoned and turned into ‘national hero’

Utterly disgusted with the news that Ramil Safarov - axe murderer of Armenia officer at NATO training in Budapest, Hungary, was extradited to Azerbaijan and pardoned by their president.

This sends all the wrong messages to citizens of Azerbaijan and Armenia that violence is acceptable and encouraged on the highest state level, with the direct involvement of EU member state Hungary.

This will inevitably increase the level of suspicion during similar mutual trainings and initiatives elsewhere, and will turn into a big obstacle for Karabakh peace building process.

F*cked up leaders, corrupted governments and attempts at turning failed policies into populist nationalist triumphs... with the help of bloody oil money, of course.

Only few days ago, news surfaced re oil rich Azerbaijan dictatorship’s possible 2-3 bln money lending to Hungary.

BUDAPEST, Aug 23 (Reuters) - Oil exporter Azerbaijan could lend Hungary 2-3 billion euros [...] *source

No comments, indeed.

Expensive price Aliyev’s regime decided to pay for turning the murderer into a ‘national hero’.

Epic shame and fail to Hungary that should be investigated by EU on the highest possible level.

In the meantime, Armenia cuts diplomatic and official ties with Hungary.

Unbearable cruelty of being of Armenia tycoon - turned MP - turned Football Federation president & his entourage

News on cruel beating of military doctors by bodyguards or security personnel of the president of Armenia Football Federation, MP of ruling Republican party, tycoon homophobe Ruben Hayrapetyan, nicknamed ‘Nemets Rubo’, or as per this suggestion - 'Fascist Rubo', were shocking but unfortunately not unexpected.

Horrific details of the incident were provided by one of the victims in an interview with RFE/RL. Major Vahe Avetyan, another victim, is in critical condition.

The men, all of them military doctors, were hospitalized with serious injuries. One of them, Major Vahe Avetian, remained in critical condition on Tuesday. Avetian suffered life-threatening head injuries in a reported dispute with restaurant staff on Sunday.
Artak Bayadian, another doctor taken to a Yerevan hospital, told RFE/RL’s Armenian service (Azatutyun.am) that the violence was triggered by Avetian’s verbal argument with a waiter. Bayadian said he, Avetian and their three companions were told to leave the restaurant before being attacked by 10-15 other men. He said they were repeatedly punched and kicked.
Some Armenian media were quick to suggest that the attackers were security guards of the expensive restaurant belonging to Ruben Hayrapetian, a wealthy businessman affiliated with the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK). He is also the chairman of the Armenian Football Federation.
Hayrapetian has faced opposition allegations of politically motivated violence in the past and is also notorious for insulting journalists. The tycoon has been accused in some media outlets and online social networks of possibly sanctioning or even ordering the beatings." [RFE/RL, picture - by Photolur] 

Although initial reports say that the beating was done by the direct order of ‘Nemets’, I have no doubts he will be spared of responsibility. Some may lose their job in a showcase of ‘punishment’. Like countless of times before, they will find a scapegoat among thugs who beat up doctors. He would claim ‘full responsibility’. Needless to say, there will be no mention of orders from the boss. Quite the contrary, they may even attempt at presenting the case as an “accident” and/or they will blame the victims. The main scapegoat will be arrested, tried. His family and himself will be supported financially and otherwise by the boss and perhaps some time soon, under whatever excuse, he will get out of the jail.

This is the scenario that will be put in place.

I mentioned at the beginning of this post that the incident is shocking but not unexpected. When you condone violence in one case, you do the same towards others too. This particular and similar incidents are reflection of "acceptable" and "justifiable" violent macho 'culture' still prevalent in the Armenian society and on a very high state level.

Reflecting recent firebombing of gay friendly bar DIY in Yerevan, ‘Nemets Rubo‘ said he “condemns terrorism” but “in favour of punishing gays and ready to do it myself”. “We should think of another way of punishing to eradicate them from our society.”

He said he does not support terrorism. Of course, he doesn’t. He never does. Why would he? He has entourage for such jobs: bodyguards, security personnel, you name it... See, if it comes to gays, he is ready to do it himself. For everyone else, there is his entourage. Perhaps, gays should feel lucky?!

But look who is voicing his support for ‘Nemets Rubo’. Yes, yes... Eduard Shamazanov, vice-speaker of the Armenian parliament, spokesman of the ruling Republican party. The very guy who supported terrorism in his own country. To remind, Sharmazanov dubbed terrorist act by firebombers against DIY bar a “rebellion”, “right and justified”.

What would you expect of him? Nothing less than unreserved support for his comrade. And he didn’t disappoint. He called him a “decent and moral person” at a time when at least three military medical officers/doctors (one in critical condition) are in hospital in a patient’s capacity, severely beaten up.

In the meantime, it’s been two days and there have been no statements from the MoD on beating of their officers/doctors.

Spokesman of Armenia Republican party Eduard Sharmazanov & co should be denied visa to civilised world as supporters of terrorism in their country

Absolutely disgusting and outrageous! Pretty much nauseating, in fact. 

Armenia ruling Republican party spokesman, MP Eduard Sharmazanov in a statement to local media explicitly supported firebombers of DIY bar in capital Yerevan. [Republican party of Armenia is a member of the European People’s party]. 

He dubbs terrorist act by firebombers against gay friendly DIY bar a “rebellion” and - echoing ARF MP Artsvik Minasyan - calls it “right and justified” (!!!) 

Another MP of ruling Republican party Hovhannes Sahakyan similarly supported the attackers and the stance of two MPs of ARF Dashnaktsutyun who bailed out firebomber and (in case of Artsvik Minasyan) justified the attack. He praised firebombers who made a “practical step” and have not just satisfied with online discussions (!!!). 

What is going on in Armenia? Are we seriously moving towards state sponsored fascism? I thought we were moving towards Europe... 

And this is happening in a country that made significant contribution to the fight against fascism... In a country that survived the Genocide... 

This can no longer be considered as "internal affairs" of Armenia. This is developing into a real threat towards lives and freedom of citizens of Republic of Armenia. Terrorists acts are being justified and encouraged at a very high state level of the Armenian parliament and ruling party. Anti-gay attackers are being effectively proclaimed as 'national heroes’.

Spokesman of Armenia’s Republican party Eduard Sharmazanov & co should be denied visa to civilised world as supporters of terrorism in their country.

For more details - read Unzipped: Gay Armenia

Read also: To do: ‘Persona non grata’ on human rights grounds for certain Armenia officials, individuals and groups

ARF Dashnaktsutyun Armenia MP Artsvik Minasyan justifies terrorism. Party must disassociate itself from disgraced MP statements

MPs of ARF Dashnaktsutyun party bail out neo-nazi attacker of DIY bar. Dashnak MP Artsvik Minasyan supports arson attack, effectively encouraging terrorism in Armenia 

...amid reports of new attack on DIY.

*picture by Lara Aharonian

For details - read Unzipped: Gay Armenia

PR deceit: not real but ‘fake Gallup’ commissioned to conduct exit poll for Armenian parliamentary election

There was a big PR by government controlled Armenia TV channel that they have signed up with the Gallup to conduct exit poll for upcoming Armenian parliamentary election. All the main headlines implied that the world renowned US company will conduct exit poll in Armenia, thus putting behind it its reputation.

Even with the ‘real’ Gallup, I would have concerns re polling, as taking into account local circumstances, it is very important who conducts the polls in the field. If it’s one of discredited sociological groups in Armenia, then even with the best Gallup methodology, I would not trust their results.

7or.am revealed, however, that it’s not ‘real' Gallup that is going to conduct the exit poll and pre-election survey, but the ‘fake’ one.

This is a ‘real’ Gallup: http://www.gallup.com/corporate/115/About-Gallup.aspx

This is a ‘fake’ Gallup: former “Gallup International Association”. Kancho Stoychev who signed the agreement with the Armenia TV is their Vice-President (Bulgaria). [http://www.gallup-international.com/en/who_we_are/the_board] Despite name change [“Worldwide Independent Network of Market Research”], they still contain references to “Gallup” within their website.

According to one Wikipedia reference, [US-based] Gallup Inc. and [Switzerland-based] Gallup International Association (GIA) were involved in a legal dispute over the use of “Gallup” name. In 2010, GIA merged with the market research company WIN (Worldwide Independent Network). They are currently called “Worldwide Independent Network of Market Research”.

It’s the US-based company, not the Swiss one, that is famous for Gallup Poll.

This is not what we will be getting for Armenian parliamentary election.

Bullying by haircut: Outrageous lawlessness by head teacher at one of Yerevan schools

I am speechless. A truly outrageous incident has happened today at one of 4th grade classes in a Yerevan school named after Daniel Varuzhan. Head teacher has forcibly cut children’s hair because apparently she didn’t like their haircut. She later ‘explained’ it by an expression of “motherly joke” from her side. This incident has got reported and gained publicity thanks to journalist parents. It’s currently being investigated by educational authorities.

How many similar or more outrageous incidents go unreported, one may wonder?!

Pictures and reporting by Gagik Shamshyan. Original source: news.armeniatv.com



Այսօր՝ սեպտեմբերի 26-ին, Երևանի Դանիել Վարուժանի անվան թիվ 89 դպրոցի մի խումբ ծնողներ բողոքում էին դպրոցում տեղի ունեցած միջադեպի փաստով:

Ինչպես news.armeniatv.com-ին հայտնում է ֆոտոլրագրող Գագիկ Շամշյանը, նշված դպրոցի 4-րդի «Գ» դասարանի դասղեկ Գայանե Թանգյանը ստիպողաբար դասարանի՝ թվով 9-ը տղա երեխաների մազերը կտրել է:

Ծնող Ալլա Մկրտչյանը մեզ հետ զրույցում բարկացած պատմում էր. «Ես իմ երեխային առավոտյան մաքուր ուղարկել եմ դասի, իսկ դասղեկը բռնել, տղայիս մազերը կտրել-այլանդակել է. ու տենց մի քանի երեխաների: Ինձ էլ ասում է, թե՝ ում ուզում ես բողոքի, լավ եմ արել, դա իմ օրենքնա»:

Դասղեկ Թանգյանը, ով չցանկացավ նկարահանվել, իր արարքը պատճառաբանում էր, թե մայրաբար կատակ է արել: Երևանի քաղաքապետարանի հանրակրթության վարչության պետ Գայանե Սողոմոնյանը մեզ հետ զրույցում, դատապարտելով կատարվածը, ասաց, որ կատարվածի մասին ինքն արդեն տեղյակ է, և մեղավորները ենթարկվելու են խիստ պատասխանատվության:

Իսկ մի քանի ծնողներ էլ ասացին, որ Գայանե Սողոմոնյանի զանգից հետո Թանգյանը ոտուձեռ էր ընկել ու խնդրում, որպեսզի աղմուկ չբարձրացնեն, թե չէ հանրակրթության վարչությունը իրն «օդ կհանի»:

*Thanks to @kornelij for the info.

Disturbing video: ‘Celebration’ and dancing to mark the Armenian Genocide anniversary in front of Turkish embassy in Washington, D.C.

When I watched this video of 'celebration' of the Armenian Genocide anniversary by a group of apparently Turkish and possibly Azeri Americans or residents (based on the flags on display), I felt disgusted and disturbed.

I may understand when I see group of Turks protesting the Armenian efforts of recognising the Genocide. I will not agree with them, but will understand, as this is what they’ve been told over the decades.

But 'celebration' and dancing to mark the anniversary of deaths, even if you do not believe it?!

And if they were 'welcomed' by the Turkish Ambassador, as ANCA reports, then this was pretty scandalous too.

Those who participated in ‘celebrations’ are sick. Too low, even for hardline nationalists.

Some people suck. Big time (re yet another video scandal in Armenia)

This video scandal (+ here) was just another reminder why I could never stand Hrant Tokhatyan & co. They suck. Big time.


*source of picture

Armenia: Scandal of the Day - ‘party’ in prison - Picture of the Day

When I first looked at this picture, it never crossed my mind - until I read the accompanying text - that I am looking at prison here...

Armenia -- Artyom Khachatrian (R), editor of the pro-government ''Azatamtutyun'' daily, pictured with three men serving life sentences for politically motivated murders in Yerevan's Nubarashen prison on October 5, 2009. Photo courtesy of ''Haykakan Zhamanak. (RFE/RL)

Justice Minister Gevorg Danielian ordered an inquiry on Thursday after the publication of a revealing prison photograph that shows the editor of a pro-government newspaper in the company of three men serving life sentences for politically motivated murders.

The photo, which appeared on the front-page of the pro-opposition daily “Haykakan Zhamanak,” shows Artyom Khachatrian of the “Azatamtutyun” newspaper and one of his aides drinking coffee and soft drinks with the convicts at Yerevan’s Nubarashen prison.

All five men smiled as they had their picture taken by an unknown photographer. Two of them, Derenik Bejanian and Eduard Grigorian, were among the gunmen that had burst into Armenia’s parliament in October 1999, killing its speaker Karen Demirchian, Prime Minister Vazgen Sarkisian and six other officials. They share their prison cell with Arsen Ardzruni, a former member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation convicted of being a member of a death squad that had allegedly operated in the early 1990s.

“Haykakan Zhamanak” called the photograph scandalous, saying that Khachatrian’s joint appearance with the convicted assassins was a serious breach of prison regulations. “What common things do they have to discuss and to do?” it asked in a dig at the editor who is reputed to have close ties to the government. More...

Armenia: video shows chilling example of animal cruelty allegedly at oligarch Gagik Tsarukyan’s ‘private zoo’

Scandal of The Day

An example of animal cruelty at its most chilling exhibition

Thanks to a tweet by @GoldenTent, I came across this link to the YouTube video, which alleges that Armenian oligarch and head of ruling Bargavatch Hayastan (‘Properous Armenia’) party Gagik Tsarukyan stages this fight between his lions and a donkey. (or it was staged at his ‘private zoo’)

#Armenia oligarch & govt. political leader Gagik Tsarukyan stages fight between his lions & a donkey http://bit.ly/1tF5j4 #animalcruelty
http://twitter.com/GoldenTent/status/4990840936

*The video (uploaded 9 October 2009) has now been removed from the YouTube. (minutes after tweets and re-tweets came out): “This video has been removed due to terms of use violation.”

However, it’s been already uploaded into other video sharing websites, particularly Dailymotion (see below).

There are also gunshots heard in the video. It’s not immediately clear whether they were shooting the lions or the donkey, or simply shooting in the air. Also, it’s not clear whether the animals were hit by gunshots or they were aimed at scaring them, or to complete the ‘show’ for spectators after the fight was over.

This is so disgusting that at first I could not force myself watching beyond the first few seconds. Then I forced myself... I felt physically sick after watching this video.

Any country, any society which has any prospect of calling itself a “civilised” should ban these sorts of outrageous displays of animal cruelty, and perpetrators should be held responsible before the law.

Armenia: Reports on serious clashes between ruling Republican party and its main coalition partner Prosperous Armenia party members

Incidents happened in 2 Yerevan districts re mayor election campaign. Reported by Haykakan Zhamanak daily, as well as Public Radio. Clashes, beatings, injured, detained. More details to be known later, I suppose.

Scandal of the Day

(sorry, in Armenian only, for now.)

«Հայկական ժամանակ». Կացնահարել են
11:27 • 13.05.09

Օրաթերթի տեղեկությունների համաձայն` երեկ իսկական ճակատամարտ է տեղի ունեցել ՀՀԿ-ի ու ԲՀԿ-ի միջև, որի արդյունքում կան ձերբակալվածներ և տուժածներ:

Կացնահարել են

Երեկ սկանդալային դեպքեր են տեղի ունեցել Քանաքեռ-Զեյթուն և Դավիթաշեն համայնքներում։ Բախվել են հանրապետականներն ու ԲՀԿ-ականները, ինչի արդյունքում Քանաքեռ-Զեյթունի թաղապետ Արայիկ Քոթանջյանը ծեծի է ենթարկվել։

Մեզ հաջողվեց ճշտել, որ երեկ առավոտյան Արայիկ Քոթանջյանի 18-ամյա որդին մտել է ԲՀԿ-ի՝ Ահարոնյան 67 հասցեում գտնվող նախընտրական շտաբ և ծեծի ենթարկել շտաբի պետ Սամվել Հովհաննիսյանին։ Ավելի ուշ Ծառուկյանի տղաները մտել են ՀՀԿ-ի՝ Մոնումենտում գտնվող շտաբ, որտեղ այդ պահին գտնվել է նաև Քանաքեռ-Զեյթունի թաղապետը, և բոլորին, այդ թվում՝ թաղապետին, ծեծի ենթարկել։ Ըստ ականատեսների՝ «սպեցնազը» ձերբակալել է Ծառուկյանի տղաներին։

Երեկ ՀՀԿ-ԲՀԿ բախում է տեղի ունեցել նաև Դավիթաշենում, ինչի արդյունքում հանրապետականներից մեկին կացնահարել են։

*via Tert.am

Armenia: Past Scandals

Always scandalous Armenian photojournalist Gagik Shamshyan, Aravot daily editor in sex scandal, and more...

Two Armenian deputy ministers "disciplined for assault"

While I like the fact that on this particular occasion prime minister’s reaction was that in a right direction, I do believe that involvement of state officials in assault makes their positions untenable. They have to go. We had number of similar incidents in past. They do get repeated because officials involved consider themselves to be above the law and their seats "protected".

*RFE/RL

Prime Minister Tigran Sarkisian issued on Thursday a “strict reprimand” to two Armenian deputy ministers of health who reportedly assaulted and beat up two other men at a Yerevan restaurant late last month.

The officials, Tatul Hakobian and Abraham Manukian, were put under a criminal investigation earlier this month. The Special Investigative Service (SIS), a law-enforcement body conducting the investigation, has not formally charged them yet.

The opposition daily “Haykakan Zhamanak” reported on January 16 that the incident occurred as the two officials partied at the Mexican restaurant with a group of friends and loudly swore in the process, ignoring the presence of other patrons. It said one of them, former Energy Minister Mels Hakobian, protested against the use of foul language.

“The deputy ministers were angered by Hakobian’s warning and together with about a dozen friends severely beat not only Hakobian but his son-in-law,” claimed the paper. “The latter was taken to hospital with injuries.”

The SIS, which is subordinated to state prosecutors, said on Thursday it opened a criminal case in connection with the incident on January 2, two weeks before the publication of the “Haykakan Zhamanak” report. In a written statement sent to RFE/RL, the SIS implicated only one of the deputy ministers, Manukian, in the beating.

The statement said Manukian, his son and several other men assaulted Hakobian and two other persons outside the restaurant with “hooligan motives.” “The investigation is continuing, and measures are being taken to clarify all details of the incident,” it added.

Sarkisian condemned both vice-ministers for their “unacceptable conduct in a public place” as he chaired a weekly session of his cabinet earlier in the day. “Unfortunately, this phenomenon still exists in the Republic of Armenia,” said the prime minister. “I receive complaints from our citizens that many officials abuse their position and don’t realize that they occupy that position to serve the people, rather than use it for their personal interests.

“We will soon adopt an ethics code and the norms set by that code will apply to everyone. Those state servants who can’t imagine themselves acting within the bounds of those norms will have to resign.”

Turkey-UK scandal: uncovered evidence of orphanage children abuses in Istanbul

BBC reports: The Duchess of York has been accused by a Turkish minister of smearing Turkey's image during a television documentary about orphanages.

Nimet Cubukcu, minister for women and family, claimed the programme's "smudge campaign" was timed to coincide with a report on Turkey's bid to join the EU. [...]

ITV spokeswoman Julia Fields said the documentary was justified.
"This is a valid area of public interest at a time when the UK government is endorsing the accession of Turkey into the EU, a process which is conditional in part on Turkey improving its human rights record with children."

Pictures from the ITV1 programme Duchess and Daughters: Their Secret Mission, which were released earlier this week, showed Princess Eugenie crying after seeing the plight of abandoned youngsters at a centre in Istanbul.

Afterwards the princess said the experience had made her "so angry", and her "eyes had been opened".

She wore a disguise of a black wig and headscarf to visit a second home, the Saray institution near the Turkish capital, Ankara, where more than 700 disabled children are housed.

Inside, she and the reporting team found children tied to their beds or left in cots all day.

One child, who was not allowed outside, was discovered crawling along the corridor to feel the sun on his face.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "The UK is aware of the human rights situation in Turkey and works bilaterally and together with EU partners to encourage key reforms in this area."

Also - here and here here

*In photo (via BBC) - The duchess disguised in a wig and headscarf

Scandal in Turkish army: Turkish air force chief attacked for directing anti-PKK operation from golf course

For decades Turkey's armed forces have been virtually beyond criticism in a country where the military sees itself as a defender of the modern secular state.

But its status is being questioned after a senior commander was pictured playing golf hours after 17 soldiers were killed in clashes with Kurdish militants.

General Aydogan Babaoglu, head of the air force, took part in a golf tournament in the Mediterranean resort of Antalya last weekend after reports emerged of a deadly attack on a military outpost in Aktutun, near Turkey's border with Iraq, by the Kurdistan Workers' party (PKK).

He later claimed to have coordinated, the military's response from the golf course, which included air strikes against PKK bases in northern Iraq and ground manoeuvres inside Turkey. But he only returned to headquarters in the capital, Ankara, on Saturday evening, when the country was deep in mourning. More...

*source: The Guardian; photo - by Today's Zaman, via NEWSru.com

Armenia: Intrigue and Scandal of The Day

Intrigue No. 1: Armenia’s incumbent president Serj Sargsyan names his ‘opposition-friendly’ chief of staff

President Serzh Sarkisian appointed on Tuesday a leading member of his Republican Party of Armenia (HHK), Karen Karapetian, as the new chief of his staff. [...]

The appointment reflects Karapetian’s increased political clout and his close ties with the president. The veteran parliamentarian joined the HHK in 2006 and soon after became its deputy chairman as then Prime Minister Sarkisian completed his takeover of Armenia’s number one “party of power.” He has since been as seen one of Sarkisian’s most trusted allies. Karapetian, 47, is also known for his conciliatory approach to the Armenian opposition. That might explain why, unlike other key pro-government figures, he has rarely been the target of verbal attacks from opposition leaders.

Karapetian made a point of sitting next to two arrested opposition parliamentarians when they were brought to the parliament floor to have their immunity from prosecution lifted by fellow lawmakers last March. The deputies, Miasnik Malkhasian and Hakob Hakobian, remain under arrest on controversial coup charges stemming from the March 1 deadly clashes in Yerevan between opposition protesters and security forces.

Intrigue No. 2: Armenia’s participation in Nabucco pipeline project as part of a “comprehensive Karabakh peace pact”? – But what will be the price, I wonder?!

Economics may hold the key to breaking the stalemate in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. Turkish and Azerbaijani officials reportedly are seriously mulling the possibility of Armenian participation in the long-planned Nabucco pipeline project as part of a comprehensive Karabakh peace pact. [...]

Although details of the recent discussions have been scarce, some experts believe that the three sides have probed a possible bargain under which Armenia would become part of the Nabucco pipeline plans, in return for a greater degree of flexibility concerning Yerevan’s position on Karabakh. [...]

Turkish analyst Sinan Ogan, the chair of the Ankara-based TURKSAM think tank, said that the topic of Armenia’s participation in the Nabucco project came up during US Vice President Dick Cheney’s recent, controversial visit to Baku. "There are serious plans to involve Armenia in this project. Turkey and Azerbaijan were against this idea at first, but now Armenia’s participation seems realistic," Ogan said in comments broadcast September 19 on Voice of America radio.

Scandal: Pro-Government MP Blamed For Deadly Beating I wonder - why the incident has been officially acknowledged by the police only after around 10 days; only after the detention of a scapegoat? Can’t agree more with the Ombudsman (see below).

A senior employee of Armenia’s state television and radio on Tuesday blamed a pro-government parliamentarian notorious for reportedly violent conduct for an attack on a Yerevan café that left one of his friends dead. Artur Sahakian, who runs the news service of the Armenian Public Radio and anchors a talk show on Public TV, also alleged a high-level police cover-up of the mysterious incident that occurred on September 21. […]

Armen Harutiunian, Armenia’ human rights ombudsman, appeared skeptical about such assurances [Unzipped – that the police will do everything to solve the case]. “We know very well that in such cases someone goes to the police, confesses to the crime, spends one or two years in prison, and then walks free after the dust settles,” he told RFE/RL. “This case must be very seriously and thoroughly investigated. We must put an end to lawlessness.”

Scandal of The Day: personal data on 25 mln people got missing in the UK

"Two computer discs holding the personal details of all families in the UK with a child under 16 have gone missing. The Child Benefit data on them includes name, address, date of birth, National Insurance number and, where relevant, bank details of 25 million people. " [discs containing such sensitive data got sent out (and lost!) from a governmental agency to the National Audit Office via internal post system, without even recorded or special delivery - unbelievable!] More...

This is just incredible. And it is happening in the UK, with supposedly strict and at times too many data protection and privacy regulations. This is one of the very rare instances that I have to agree with the Conservatives: "a catastrophic failure" from the side of government. Government official's response? - in a typical British way: "I apologise..." - "I am sorry..." You may do whatever you want in the UK, you then just need to say that magical word "Sorry". I was joking the other day with a friend that here you may kill a person and then say "Oh, I am so sorry..." Come on, with all those resources and facilities... And they want to introduce ID cards with even more centralised personal info! Bigger "Scandal of The Day"-s ahead... (if it can get any bigger)