Jail threat recedes as Alexander Lebedev hooliganism charges are dropped
Prosecutor shocks court with late withdrawal of accusation that punches were politically motivated
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The main charge against Alexander Lebedev was dropped today, in a surprise move that means the Russian businessman and financial backer of The Independent is likely to be spared a jail sentence.
Mr Lebedev faced two charges after he punched Sergei Polonsky, a property mogul, on a television chat show in 2011. He has repeatedly described the case as “fabricated” and motivated by a desire to punish him for his campaigns against corruption.
Today, as the case drew to a close, the state prosecutor dropped the charge of “hooliganism motivated by political hatred”, which could have seen him jailed for up to five years.
She asked the judge to sentence Mr Lebedev to one year and nine months of probation-style restrictions for the lesser charge of “battery”, meaning that he would have to check in at a police station once a week and would be banned from attending public gatherings.
It would be unusual for the judge to hand down a sentence higher than that asked for by the prosecutor, meaning that Mr Lebedev is likely to be spared a jail sentence. Mr Lebedev said during a break in the hearings that he was “surprised” by the prosecutor’s change of heart.
The case has been hampered by the fact that Mr Polonsky has not appeared in court to testify. He is being investigated in Cambodia on charges that he assaulted local sailors but is believed to have fled to Israel.
In another bizarre twist, during today’s hearing Mr Polonsky wrote on his Facebook page that he wanted to fire his lawyers, and asked the judge to issue a not-guilty verdict in a letter that was delivered to the courtroom. The judge ignored the letter.
Mr Lebedev quoted Cicero and Plato in his final words to the court.
His lawyer, Genri Reznik, said that the defendant should be acquitted on all the charges, as the charge of “battery” according to Russian law must involve at least three blows, while Mr Lebedev struck Mr Polonsky only twice.
The judge retired to consider the verdict, which he will issue on Tuesday.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments