Russia's top investigative agency says it has filed criminal charges against billionaire Kremlin critic Alexander Lebedev for punching another businessman on a televised talk show last year.

The State Investigative Committee said Wednesday it has charged Lebedev with assault and hooliganism for punching Sergei Polonsky and causing bodily harm. If convicted, he faces up to five years in jail.

Lebedev owns two British newspapers and a Russian newspaper that is critical of the government. He says he is being pressured because of his support of the political opposition.