MOSCOW, January 31 - RAPSI, Diana Gutsul. The Kuntsevsky District Court of Moscow has scheduled a hearing of the defamation lawsuit filed by Vladimir Yakunin, President of Russian Railways, one of the world's major transport operators, against journalist Sergei Dorenko, the plaintiff's representative Alexei Melnikov told RAPSI today.

The complaint states that on the morning of November 14, 2012, Sergei Dorenko, a presenter on the Russian News Service radio station, expressed opinions on air which discredited Yakunin's honor, dignity and business reputation. Dorenko, as well as the founders of the Russian News Service are the defendants in the case.

"We seek an official refutation of the lies Dorenko uttered over gross corrupt practices within Russian Railways. In addition, we expect Dorenko to be held accountable for the manner in which he spread this information. This kind of yobbish behavior is totally unacceptable for a respectable person, and all the more for a journalist," said Melnikov.

The attorney added that the plaintiff is demanding nearly $3,000 in compensation for moral damages.

Sergei Dorenko is well known for his strong criticism of many political and public figures, including former Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov, who ran for president during the 2000 elections. Now employed by the Russian News Service, Dorenko continues to be just as outspoken in his current radio programmes.