REPORTER ARRESTED IN HACKER SCANDAL SAYS HE WAS A WHISTLEBLOWER

The former chief reporter at the now-defunct News of the World is taking his former employers to an “employment tribunal,” claiming that he was wrongfully fired because he became a whistleblower. Neville Thurlbeck, whose byline appeared on numerous articles in the tabloid, was fired by News International, the News Corp group that oversees Rupert Murdoch’s news operations in the U.K., after his name appeared on notes from Glenn Mulcaire, a private detective who was convicted of hacking into the voicemails of numerous TV and film stars, politicians, and other celebrities. He was arrested last April but, according to Britain’s Guardian newspaper, remained on NI’s payroll until recently, possibly this month. Britain’s Public Interest Disclosures Act protects whistleblowers from losing their jobs in certain instances. His claim is expected to be heard this week.