Aleksey Lebed

Aleksey Ivanovich Lebed served as professional officer with the Soviet/Russian Airborne Forces, like his more prominent older brother, the late Alexander Lebed. After quitting military service in 1995 with the rank of colonel, he was elected chairman of the government of Khakassia Administrative Republic. He came to the post in 1997, and was re-elected in 2000. Shortly after he came to power in 1997, the transmitter of the Sayansk television and radio company was cut off. Station chief Veniamin Striga said Lebed was responsible. In 2006 criminal charges were brought against Lebed related to claims of abuse of power. In 2009 Viktor Zimin took Lebed's position as the head of the government of Khakassia.