Russia’s deputy prime minister says that early reports from dissatisfied journalists and visitors about ridiculous and humiliating problems at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi are false.  And he knows that because Russia has hidden cameras in the hotel bathrooms.

“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,” said Deputy Prime Minister for Olympic preparations Dmitry Kozak, suggesting that those who are complaining are secretly saboteurs intent on making Russia look bad.  The Wall Street Journal, which quoted the official, says that he was quickly whisked away by handlers before the inevitable follow-up questions.

The complaints are numerous, so numerous that there’s now a special Twitter account called #SochiProblems that serves as a clearinghouse of hilarious and troubling goofs in the accommodations for tourists, journalists, and athletes. 

Toilets and plumbing are a constant theme.  Russia seems to have a unique view of the public loo, assuming that visitors will be comfortable sitting down to do their business in a room with as many as three or four other commodes, with no separation.  Or with accommodations for an audience.  In fact, the bizarre toilet scheme may end up being the most-photographed items from the Olympics, and not the Black Sea shoreline or Mountains that Vladimir Putin wanted to show off.

Other complaints involved tap water in a most disturbing color and numerous stray dogs.  But don't worry:  Big Brother Vlad is watching you.