Witness tells Lebedev trial she is giving evidence 'by accident' after being told to appear by Russian security service Media mogul Alexander Lebedev on trial for politically-motivated hooliganism following infamous punch up on Russian talkshow Lebedev hit property tycoon Sergei Polonsky during a 2011 debate Witness Natalia Parkhomenko says was ordered to give evidence Said she had appeared in court on another matter and was told to testify Media mogul Alexander Lebedev faces up to five years in jail if found guilty of politically-motivated hooliganism A witness giving evidence at the trial of media boss Alexander Lebedev's revealed today she had been ordered to take the stand by the Russian security services. Natalia Parkhomenko said she was appearing in court 'by accident' because the prosecution needed witnesses to testify against the banker and businessman. She said she had been due to appear before the committee on another matter, but had been drafted in to take part in Lebedev's trial as well. Lebedev is accused of 'politically-motivated hooliganism' and faces up to five years in jail after footage showed him punching a property mogul during a TV talk show. Keira Knightley, Sir Elton John and Sting have sent letters to the court backing Lebedev. Once a billionaire, Polonsky has lost key parts of his business and is likely to face legal challenges in Russia. Last week there were claims that he had sold a business for $100 million. Earlier several witnesses refused to testify for the state, but today a number were being brought to court by bailiffs. The case rests on whether Mr Lebedev was 'politically-motivated' in twice striking Sergei Polonsky, an accusation he strongly denies. A similar charge was brought against two Pussy Riot singers who were jailed for two years for a cathedral protest against Vladimir Putin. Miss Parkhomenko revealed her bizarre recruitment by the prosecution as Mr Lebedev sat in court accompanied by his wife Elena Perminova, 26, a Siberian-born model and fashion icon. 'Actually I am here totally incidentally,' admitted the witness. 'I came to the Investigative Committee on completely different matter and I was asked - 'By the way , did you watch that show? We need witnesses - so I am here'.' She told the Ostankinski court she could 'hardly remember' the verbal dispute and ensuing TV punch which was aired on a Russian TV channel 20 months ago. Charge: Alexander Lebedev is accused of politically-motivated 'hooliganism' after punching Sergei Polonsky on Russian television I am sorry, again, I am here totally by accident. I got a call that I must come today or they will force me to come. I gave up an exam I was due to take today. Parkhomenko told the court she found the incident 'extraordinary' when she watched it on TV, adding: 'I don't remember anything like this.' But she also said that Sergei Polonsky - the man who Mr Lebedev struck - had verbally provoked the media owner. 'I want to say I do not see Lebedev's guilt in it. I think both are to blame here,' she said. On trial: Alexander Lebedev, right, talks to his lawyer Genri Reznik, centre, alongside his wife Elena Perminova, left, during a break in proceedings Testimony: A witness told the court she had been ordered to give evidence by the Russian secret service Two cameramen were also called as witnesses for the prosecution, with Oleg Tikhomirov saying that Polonsky 'did say something rude to Levedev - or something abusing' before the strike. Mr Lebedev quizzed him directly asking if the either he or Polonsky were politicians. Farce: Lebedev and his lawyer quizzed two cameramen who were called in to give evidence at his trial 'For me, you are a politician but in the best meaning of this word,' said Tikhomirov. I also appreciate you as a donor who helps clinics and museums~ unfortunately, I have not heard anything of this sort about Polonsky, on the contrary. 'Did I ever use rude language?' asked Mr Lebedev. 'I don't think so. I am really sympathetic to you. But Polonsky did say something like 'somebody who does not have a million can go to -you know where.' At this, the judge stopped the exchange. The judge asked the other cameraman Mikhail Shirokov: 'Do you remember Lebedev and Polonsky discussing something political - such as laws being adopted?' 'No I can't remember anything like this,' he said. Mr Lebedev said earlier that with an acquittal rate of 0.4 per cent in Russian courts, he does not expect to win but said the accusation against him was 'trumped up'. He added that he had never met Polonsky before the show so could not harbour political hatred against him. The trial comes at a time when opposition politicians critical of Vladimir Putin's regime have faced investigation and jail. Celebrity backing: Both Keira Knightley and Sir Elton John have sent letters in support of Lebedev