A former communications chief for the British Prime Minister and an ex-News International chief will be charged for their roles in the Murdoch phone hacking scandal.
Andy Coulson and Rebekah Brooks, both past News of the World (NoW) editors, face a total of 19 charges and are accused of “conspiracy unlawfully to intercept communications.” The charges will specifically relate to phone hacking allegations that surfaced following the disappearance and death of 13-year-old Milly Dowler.
Investigation results released last July revealed that NoW had hacked the missing Surrey teen’s phone in 2002 as well as that of Fire Brigades Union Boss Andrew Gilchrist. The revelation that the murdered teen’s phone was hacked into caused such a huge public backlash that NoW was forced to close its doors.
Six other NoW journalists and staff members are also being charged. One of the six also faces charges specifically related to the Milly Dowler case, but the others are to address court allegations that more than 600 people had been hacked.
The list includes Hollywood stars like Angelina Jolie and Jude Law. Athletes, British Members of Parliament and some 7/7 London bombing victims have also reportedly had their phones hacked into by NoW.
Brooks released a statement immediately after charges were pressed against her.
“I am not guilty of these charges,” she claimed, “I did not authorize, nor was I aware of, phone hacking under my editorship.”
Coulson has not commented on the charges.