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Anorak News | 11 Sun journalists arrested: selfless investigation into prison system progressing well

11 Sun journalists arrested: selfless investigation into prison system progressing well

by | 11th, February 2012

FIVE more Sun journalist have been arrested as part of Scotland Yard’s Operation Elveden, the investigation into allegations of inappropriate payments to police officers and public officials. Also arrested are one policeman serving with the Surrey force, a member of the armed forces and a MoD worker.

The five hacks arrested on suspicion of corruption, aiding and abetting misconduct in a public office, and conspiracy in relation to both these offences are:

Geoff Webster – Sun’s deputy editor
John Kay – the Sun’s chief reporter.
John Edwards – Sun’s picture editor
Nick Parker – the Sun’s chief foreign correspondent
John Sturgis – Sun reporter

Other Sun workers who’ve been arrested:

Mike Sullivan – Sun’s crime editor
Graham Dudman – Sun’s former managing editor
Fergus Shanahan – Sun’s executive editor
Chris Pharo – Sun’s news desk executive
Cheryl Carter – Sun’s beauty editor (Operation: Weeting)
Jamie Pyatt – Sun’s district editor

Operation Elveden had received information from the Sun’s hierarchy – the Management and Standards Committee of News Corporation.

Tom Mockridge, Chief Executive of News International, told News International staff:

“The Sun has a proud history of delivering ground-breaking journalism. You should know that I have had a personal assurance today from Rupert Murdoch about his total commitment to continue to own and publish The Sun newspaper.”

Sun editor Dominic Mohan, said:

“I’m as shocked as anyone by today’s arrests but am determined to lead The Sun through these difficult times. I have a brilliant staff and we have a duty to serve our readers and will continue to do that. Our focus is on putting out Monday’s newspaper.”

Expert lots of exclusives on life inside a police station, what criminals really think of Broken Britain and an undercover investigation into paedos in the justice system.

Says Scotland Yard:

“Today’s operation is the result of information provided to police by News Corporation’s Management Standards Committee. It relates to suspected payments to police officers and public officials and is not about seeking journalists to reveal confidential sources in relation to information that has been obtained legitimately.”

The Daily Mail says – hopefully:

Fears that the latest arrests could lead to News International owner Rupert Murdoch closing the title as he did with the News of the World has led to the Australian reassuring staff of his commitment to the title.

The Sun won’t shut. But it will be damaged.



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