A criminal investigation has been opened into media tycoon Alexander Lebedev in connection with a brawl with real estate developer Sergei Polonsky during an NTV talk show last month, according to Russia's Investigative Committee. 

      Lebedev is accused of hooliganism in the incident. He faces up to five years in prison.

      The fight between Lebedev and Polonsky took place during the taping of "NTVshniki" TV-show. Heated debates and recriminations are common for that show, but the fight was for the first time. During the discussion of the global recession Lebedev ounched Polonsky several times. Before Lebedev's attack, Polonsky criticized the other guests on the panel while fielding questions from the audience, saying their comments put him "in a mind to punch someone's face."Lebedev, sitting next to him, inquired whether the remark was directed at him. Polonsky asked him to calm down and continued his heated rant. Lebedev leaped out of his chair and dealt several blows to Polonsky's head, causing Polonsky to topple onto the floor together with his chair.

      The segment ended with the host calling for help from security guards. Right after the incident Polonsky showed photos of his wounded hand and torn jeans in his twitter. He also gave his word to bring a case against Lebedev before the court. I his turn, Lebedev wanted to bring case against Polonsky on a charge of provocation, but later he changed his mind, saying he didn't want to "dirty his hands". He also isn't going to bring a case against the NTV Channel, though Lebedev is dissatisfied with the channel's publication of the video with the brawl in the Internet.

      Sergei Polonsky, 38, founder of the now-defunct Mirax Group and once ranked on Russia's billionaire list, saw his fortune decrease drastically after the 2008 recession. NTV estimated it at $200 million today.

      Alexander Lebedev, 51, controls the National Reserve Corporation and owns several newspapers, including Britain's The Independent and Evening Standard. His net worth is put at $2.1 billion by Forbes Russia this year.

      The "NTVshniki" show's fragment with the brawl

Sources: Lenta.ru The Moscow Times

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