As the phone hacking scandal at News Corp. intensifies, Rupert Murdoch and his son, James, are to be questioned about the phone hacking scandal under oath in the High Court. Lord Justice Leveson will hold his inquiry at the Royal Courts of Justice.
The focus of the inquiry is “the culture, practices and ethics of the press in the context of the latter’s relationship with the public, police and politicians”. The inquiry will begin with a series of seminars at the end of next month, attended by senior journalists and other interested parties. They will also look at how press regulation will protect the integrity, freedom and independence of the press, while ensuring the highest standards.
David Cameron and other senior politicians are also likely to be questioned over their links to News International, the parent company of the shuttered News of the World.
The UK Telegraph reports Leveson will likely allow the proceedings to be broadcast live.
Over the summer, a handful of officials from the Cabinet Office and Treasury Solicitor’s Office have been planning how the inquiry will be run. The team will set up a full-time office in the Royal Courts of Justice before the formal start of proceedings in October.
The inquiry was ordered by UK Prime Minister David Cameron. Telegraph sources close to the inquiry said Leveson would not be constrained in who he asked to testify, adding that the judge “will go where the evidence takes him.”
Dozens of letters have been sent to potential witnesses asking if they will help in the inquiry. The Murdochs, as well as Andy Coulson and Rebekah Brooks, both former editors of the News of the World, are likely to be called.
