Post Office Scandal: "Don't Suffer in Silence", Victim Urges
Mohammad Rasul, a former sub-postmaster wrongly convicted of false accounting, is urging other victims of the Post Office scandal to come forward and share their stories.
Rasul, 68, from Salford, was one of many sub-postmasters wrongly accused of theft after faulty software indicated missing funds from their branch accounts. He was cleared in 2021, but the emotional toll of the ordeal continues to linger, and he wants others to know they are not alone.
"I don't want other victims to suffer in silence," Rasul said. "The Post Office scandal was a devastating injustice, and people need to know that they can speak out and seek support."
The Post Office scandal, described as the UK's most widespread miscarriage of justice, involved over 900 sub-postmasters being prosecuted for stealing money due to incorrect data from a computer system called Horizon.
A BBC documentary titled "Surviving the Post Office" explores the lasting impact of the scandal on victims, drawing on the findings of a questionnaire circulated among hundreds of sub-postmasters.
The survey revealed the significant emotional toll on those affected. Nearly 150 respondents reported ongoing anxiety, while dozens faced sleep problems, and over 100 experienced verbal attacks either personally or against family members.
Rasul's own experience exemplifies the profound consequences of the scandal. He worked for the Post Office for nearly 20 years before being suspended in 2005. Two years later, he was prosecuted, ordered to repay £12,000, and placed under an electronic curfew.
The curfew prevented him from being at his elderly father's bedside during his final hours. "As I got there, the undertakers were just taking his body away," Rasul shared. "That weighs quite heavily."
The weight of his wrongful conviction was finally lifted in 2021 when his case, along with 39 others, was overturned. Later this year, a bill clearing the convictions of hundreds more sub-postmasters was passed into law.
Despite the legal victories, Rasul stresses the enduring impact on those affected. âI've never been hugged by so many people in such a short time," he said. "Those losses were entirely due to the computer system. I was convinced that they were, but they said 'how come you are the only one that is having the problem?' And that has been the theme throughout all of the people who have been charged."
Rasul's friend Farooq Khan heard of his ordeal during a BBC Radio 5 Live interview, highlighting the pain and devastation of his conviction. Khan expressed his regret at not knowing sooner, saying, "I wish I knew. I could have been there to do whatever I could to support him."
Rasulâs story, and those shared in the "Surviving the Post Office" documentary, demonstrate the far-reaching impact of the scandal and the importance of continued support for victims. Rasulâs message is clear: âDonât suffer in silence. There are people who understand and can help."
