Russian journalist punched 'live' in the face

Russian journalist was punched in the face live on air, while reporting for Russia's annual Airborne Troops Day.

Image Courtesy: You Tube

New Delhi : In a bizarre incident in Russia, a journalist got punched in his face while reporting live from a park in Moscow. According to media reports, the journalist, Nikita Razvozzhayev, was there for the coverage of the celebration of Airborne Troops Day, for popular Russian television channel NTV.  A sturdy bearded man in a tee-shirt and shorts walked up to him shouting abuses, while he was broadcasting live. When the journalist asked the man to keep away, the man delivered a right hook punch to the journalist's face. The broadcast had to be cut off. It was the occasion of Russia's annual Airborne Troops Day and former paratroopers were relaxing in the sun, inside the park. Ironically, just before getting punched, the journalist was describing the paratroopers as heroes in his report. The attacker then suddenly entered the frame saying "we'll take Ukraine." After punching the reporter, seemingly for being told to quieten down, he said: 'Who are you to talk to me in that way.' He kept following the reporter, who was staggering holding the punched side of his face. The man was swearing as he followed the reporter. The coverage had to be cut off. The anchor in the studio too looked frenzied for a moment and later on took the charge of the situation. According to the Russian media, the attacker was in a drunken state and was detained by police. He was later described by the police as soccer hooligan. When the incident reached social media, angry social media users targeted the paratroopers. They were described by social media users as rowdy people, who drink in public places. It can be made out from the social media that paratroopers are notorious for harassing people.