A Russian property developer who was punched during a talkshow, is suing for libel in England after his assailant, fellow Russian tycoon Alexander Lebedev said he deserved the beating. Sergei Polonsky is suing Lebedev, owner of the Independent and London Evening Standard for defamation following their altercation in September. Lebedev told the BBC that Polonsky had insulted him for 90 minutes. Criminal proceedings for assault have begun in Russia.
NEWS
UK: Russian tycoon sued for libel over talkshow fight
A Russian property developer who was punched during a talkshow, is suing for libel in England after his assailant, fellow Russian tycoon Alexander Lebedev said he deserved the beating. Sergei Polonsky is suing Lebedev, […]
14 Oct 11
Support free expression for all
Prev
Next
At Index on Censorship, we believe everyone deserves the right to speak freely, challenge power and share ideas without fear. In a world where governments tighten control and algorithms distort the truth, defending those rights is more urgent than ever.
But free speech is not free. Instead we rely on readers like you to keep our journalism independent, our advocacy sharp and our support for writers, artists and dissidents strong.
If you believe in a future where voices aren’t silenced, help us protect it.
At Index on Censorship, we believe everyone deserves the right to speak freely, challenge power and share ideas without fear. In a world where governments tighten control and algorithms distort the truth, defending those rights is more urgent than ever.
But free speech is not free. Instead we rely on readers like you to keep our journalism independent, our advocacy sharp and our support for writers, artists and dissidents strong.
If you believe in a future where voices aren’t silenced, help us protect it.
At Index on Censorship, we believe everyone deserves the right to speak freely, challenge power and share ideas without fear. In a world where governments tighten control and algorithms distort the truth, defending those rights is more urgent than ever.
But free speech is not free. Instead we rely on readers like you to keep our journalism independent, our advocacy sharp and our support for writers, artists and dissidents strong.
If you believe in a future where voices aren’t silenced, help us protect it.
At Index on Censorship, we believe everyone deserves the right to speak freely, challenge power and share ideas without fear. In a world where governments tighten control and algorithms distort the truth, defending those rights is more urgent than ever.
But free speech is not free. Instead we rely on readers like you to keep our journalism independent, our advocacy sharp and our support for writers, artists and dissidents strong.
If you believe in a future where voices aren’t silenced, help us protect it.
At Index on Censorship, we believe everyone deserves the right to speak freely, challenge power and share ideas without fear. In a world where governments tighten control and algorithms distort the truth, defending those rights is more urgent than ever.
But free speech is not free. Instead we rely on readers like you to keep our journalism independent, our advocacy sharp and our support for writers, artists and dissidents strong.
If you believe in a future where voices aren’t silenced, help us protect it.
READ MORE
-
Memes: The new frontier of American propaganda
How the second Trump administration is using AI imagery, spreading misinformation that often intimidates with repercussions for free expression
-
Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya among winners of Index on Censorship 2025 Freedom of Expression Awards
The awards celebrate those who have had significant impact fighting censorship anywhere in the world
-
A warning from Hungary – the BBC must stick to its rules and avoid political pressure
As the BBC in Britain faces a possible multi-billion dollar lawsuit from US president Donald Trump as well as political pressure at home, a Hungari...
-
We live beneath a dark roof: what it means to be an Afghan woman today
In this, the first of our Letters from Afghan Women, one writer believes she will stand, fight and build a brighter, more progressive Afghanistan