Alexander Lebedev was charged

September 26, 2012 Main Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for Moscow presented to the deputy of the Sloboda District Duma the Kirovskaya region and the owner of the National Reserve Corporation Alexander Lebedev charge under paragraph "b" h. 1 Article. 213 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (hooliganism motivated by hatred) and pp. "a", "b" Art. 116 of the Criminal Code (beatings).

A measure of restraint was chosen - a written undertaking not to leave.

Case against Lebedev was initiated on October 4, 2011 on the fact of inflicting bodily injuries to Sergei Polonsky live on the program "NTVshniki" 16 September 2011.

As before, the UK does not specify what kind of hatred we are talking about: the wording of the article of the Criminal Code contains political, ideological, racial, national and social hatred or enmity.

We believe to convincingly prove the motive of hatred for Polonsky as a representative of some group in this attack will be extremely difficult. On narrow-minded view, Alexander Lebedev could also be driven by personal hostility. Until the arguments of the Investigative Committee become known, it is difficult for us to express unequivocal opinion on this matter.

Recall our point view : the presence of a motive of hatred as a qualifying feature in the article of the Criminal Code about hooliganism is a legal nonsense that should be eliminated.

In our opinion, the qualification of this incident as extremist - a step dictated not by legal, but by populist considerations.

Sources

• In Moscow, Deputy of the District Duma Alexander Lebedev was charged with hooliganism and beatings // TFR website. 2012. September 26.