Relatives of 9/11 Victims Request Involvement in News Corp Hacking Scandal
In a written letter, relatives of 9/11 terror attack victims have asked to be involved in the FBI’s probe into the phone hacking scandal surrounding Rupert Murdock's News Corp.
The allegations against News Corp. first began after a former News of the World reporter claimed that editor Andy Coulson “encouraged him to hack phones.”
The FBI started a preliminary inquiry last week after U.S. Representative Peter King of New York as well as other members of Congress wrote to FBI Director Robert Mueller demanding action, according to The Guardian.
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“The 9/11 families have suffered egregiously, but unfortunately they remain vulnerable against such unjustifiable parasitic strains. We can spare no effort or expense in continuing our support for them,” he said in the letter.
King further states, “If evidence is found, the journalists involved should face felony charges.”
The request for an inquiry was backed by the family members of people who died in the World Trade Center catastrophe.
“Someone should look into it to see if their rights were violated. The family members I’ve talked to are appalled, they’re disgruntled, they have to relieve the pain all over again,” Jim Riches a former deputy chief in the New York Fire Department whose son died in the 9/11 attacks said.
Riches further adds, “I think they crossed the line. They’re trying to get messages from loved ones in the last moments of their lives. It’s horrible, and they should be held accountable.”
The phone hacking scandal is currently being investigated.
Sean Hoare, the reporter that blew the whistle on Murdock was found dead yesterday. His death is being treated as unexplained, but not thought to be suspicious according to police.
