Key UK Murdoch executives charged over phone hacking conspiracy

We still have waaay too many friends in high places

The News of the World phone hacking scandal continues to rock News Corporation and undeniably, its CEO and founder Rupert Murdoch. Two key Murdoch executives along with six others were charged today with conspiracy to hack phones.

Last summer, the Guardian revealed that reporters working for the popular British tabloid the News of the World had paid private a detective to hack into the voicemail of Milly Dowler, a 13 year-old girl who had been abducted and murdered. A public demand to discover the extent of the news organizations phone hacking activities soon followed, and the 168 year-old publication folded under the pressure of the escalating scandal. Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson (pictured) resigned from their positions, she the head editor of the News of the World and he the Communications Director for Prime Minister David Cameron.

Brooks, Coulson, five other former employees and private investigator, Glenn Mulcaire, face up to two years in prison if convicted. The pair are noted for their deep political connections with high ranking members of the the UK government, including sitting Prime Minister, David Cameron. Brooks was also a confidant of Murdoch and friends with a succession of Prime Ministers.
The Guardian: