British paper shuts down after mobile phone hacking revelations

James Murdoch, the son of media baron Rupert Murdoch and chairman of the News of the World newspaper announced Thursday that he would shut down the 168 year-old London tabloid on Sunday, according to AFP.

One of the paper’s staff said the chairman had made a very assertive decision for this case. "I can only assume he (Murdoch) feels the brand has been so badly damaged that the best thing to do is a scorched earth policy and get rid of it. But it's one hell of a decision” said David Wooding, the political editor at the News of the World.

The News of the World was involved in the scandal for hacking the phones of celebrities, and raised further ethical concerns by tapping the phone of a murdered girl when she went missing. It is reported that the company hired a private investigator to obtain the victim’s mobile phone and recorded voice messages and even erased some messages to get free space on the phone.

The general public was outraged by the case which brings serious concern for one’s privacy as well as the ethical problems of hacking the phone of a dead person. The newspaper has already evoked public criticism for hacking the mobile phone of Prince William, actress Sienna Miller and other celebrities.

Prime Minister James Cameron, who heard the news about the allegation, responded readily. “On the question about the really appalling allegations about the telephone of Milly Dowler, I mean, if they are true, this is a truly dreadful act…” he said.

Meanwhile, the family lawyer also said the family of the victim is absolutely horrified by the case and is now taking legal action against the newspaper company.