The Post Office Horizon scandal, which has been simmering for over a decade, has taken center stage as a High Court judge found the system error-ridden.
This scandal, now recognized as one of the biggest public sector IT crises in democratic nations, involves the Post Office's controversial Horizon computer system, Fujitsu's pivotal role, and the harrowing experiences of hundreds of subpostmasters.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 08: A general view of a Post Office sign in Kennington on January 08, 2024 in London, England. Between 1999 and 2015, more than 700 Post Office branch managers received criminal convictions, and some were sent to prison, when a faulty computer system called Horizon made it appear that money was missing from their sites. To date, 93 of these convictions have been overturned, leaving many others still fighting their convictions or to receive compensation. A recent television docudrama has thrust the issue back in the spotlight.
Post Office's Attempt to Conceal Faults
At the heart of the controversy is the Post Office's attempt to prevent forensic computer expert Jason Coyne from thoroughly inspecting the Horizon system.
ComputerWeekly tells us that the court-ordered inspection, meant to shed light on alleged errors causing accounting shortfalls, faced obstacles as Post Office representatives insisted on a limited interpretation of the term 'inspect.'
Coyne's encounters, reminiscent of a comedy film, revealed an unsettling resistance, raising suspicions of potential system concealment.
Coyne shared, "They were standing in front of me and not allowing me to touch the keyboard, printer, or screen. It was madness and a complete waste of time."
Coyne's encounter with the Post Office was not an isolated incident; the office's reluctance to provide investigators access to the Horizon system dates back to 2003.
Fujitsu's Role and Repercussions
Fujitsu, the tech partner for the Horizon project, is now grappling with the fallout. The company faces severe financial implications with a decision to refrain from pitching for new public contracts until the inquiry concludes.
The mainstream media is now scrutinizing Fujitsu's involvement, questioning accountability, and demanding answers about the company's other projects.
Two Fujitsu engineers, key witnesses in the case, are currently being investigated by the police. London's Metropolitan Police have announced that a broader national investigation will be initiated after the public inquiry concludes later this year (via Japan Today).
In a statement, Fujitsu's European operations director, Paul Patterson, acknowledged the company's "moral obligation" to compensate the victims, emphasizing the need for a thorough review.
"To the subpostmasters and their families...Fujitsu apologizes and is sorry for this appalling miscarriage of justice," Patterson said at the public inquiry last week.
Victim's Perspective
Lee Castleton, one of the victims portrayed in a recent TV drama, shared his traumatic experience. False accusations, bankruptcy, and family health issues unfolded after glitches in the Horizon system caused discrepancies in post office balances.
"We were abused in the street, called thieves," he went on to say. "This led to my wife's anxiety and epilepsy. My daughter was spat at on the school bus and became very anxious. She had a 10-year battle with an eating disorder."
While Fujitsu issued apologies, Castleton stressed the need for actions over words. Reflecting on Fujitsu's apology, Castleton said, "They had a moral obligation to do the right thing from the very beginning. An apology is not really very effective. Actions speak louder than words."
The scandal recently gained widespread attention through a TV drama.
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