Accessibility links

Breaking News

Billionaire Kremlin Critic Charged With Hooliganism


Russian tycoon Alexander Lebedev (file photo)
Russian tycoon Alexander Lebedev (file photo)
Russian tycoon and Kremlin critic Aleksandr Lebedev has been charged with "hooliganism" and "assault" for throwing a punch at another businessman during a televised talk show.

If he is found guilty, Lebedev could face up to five years in prison.

Lebedev, a billionaire banker and media magnate, claims he is being targeted by President Vladimir Putin for political reasons.

Investigators say Lebedev caused bodily harm to Sergei Polonsky, head of the Mirax Group, during the talk show on September 16, 2011.

A criminal case was opened by Russian investigators shortly after the incident.

Polonsky has filed a lawsuit against Lebedev in a London court over the same incident, demanding an apology and compensation.

Based on reporting by Interfax and Reuters

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG