Nastya Krasilnikova is an investigative journalist who covers sexual violence against women and children. A year and a half ago, former students associated with one of Russia’s most prestigious schools approached her with allegations of serial abuse by teachers. Her investigation has uncovered a network of harm and complicity in a tight-knit circle of Russian intelligentsia. The story spans many years and multiple countries. It asks what happens when a community refuses to atone for the violence of its leaders. As Russia wages a senseless war in Ukraine, that question couldn’t be more pressing. For additional materials visit our website: https://adultsintheroom.libolibo.me/ For feedback: adultsintheroom@libolibo.me This is a podcast by Libo/Libo
Eight years since the scandal, has School 57 gone through a reckoning? The school's principal has ignored Nastya's interview requests. But a former teacher shares her disturbing experience.Visit our website for photos and other materials referenced in the story: https://adultsintheroom.libolibo.me/Support investigations by Libo/Libo by giving us a Libo/Libo+ subscription on Apple Podcasts https://cutt.ly/adu05epap Feedback email: adultsintheroom@libolibo.me
Nastya hears allegations about a third man, a mathematics professor in Denmark called Sergey Arkhipov. Sergey's ex-wife reveals what she witnessed. Visit our website for photos and other materials referenced in the story: https://adultsintheroom.libolibo.me/Support investigations by Libo/Libo by giving us a Libo/Libo+ subscription on Apple Podcasts https://cutt.ly/adu05epap Feedback email: adultsintheroom@libolibo.me
Nastya tracks down Boris Meerson's home address in Israel. Recorder in hand, she turns up unannounced to put the allegations to him. Visit our website for photos and other materials referenced in the story: https://adultsintheroom.libolibo.me/Support investigations by Libo/Libo by giving us a Libo/Libo+ subscription on Apple Podcasts https://cutt.ly/adu05epap Feedback email: adultsintheroom@libolibo.me
After his alleged relationships with Sara and Revekka, Mark Gondelman worked on a PhD at New York University. The two women contacted the university administrators to tell their stories.Visit our website for photos and other materials referenced in the story: https://adultsintheroom.libolibo.me/Support investigations by Libo/Libo by giving us a Libo/Libo+ subscription on Apple Podcasts https://cutt.ly/adu05epap Feedback email: adultsintheroom@libolibo.me
When Russian authorities opened a criminal case against Boris Meerson and Masha Nemzer, both were in Israel, beyond the reach of prosecutors. The alleged victims looked for other means to bring their abusers to justice.Visit our website for photos and other materials referenced in the story: https://adultsintheroom.libolibo.me/Support investigations by Libo/Libo by giving us a Libo/Libo+ subscription on Apple Podcasts https://cutt.ly/adu05epap Feedback email: adultsintheroom@libolibo.me
In 2016, news of Boris Meerson's alleged abuse was broadcast on Russian state television. But the scandal would traumatize the alleged victims all over again.Visit our website for photos and other materials referenced in the story: https://adultsintheroom.libolibo.me/Support investigations by Libo/Libo by giving us a Libo/Libo+ subscription on Apple Podcasts https://cutt.ly/adu05epap Feedback email: adultsintheroom@libolibo.me
For 26 years, Boris Meerson taught history at School 57 in Moscow. He also led class trips abroad. Several former students say he took opportunities to abuse them on those trips. Visit our website for photos and other materials referenced in the story: https://adultsintheroom.libolibo.me/Support investigations by Libo/Libo by giving us a Libo/Libo+ subscription on Apple Podcasts https://cutt.ly/adu05epap Feedback email: adultsintheroom@libolibo.me
Did leaders at Sambation know one of their colleagues was allegedly abusing children? Nastya speaks to one former teacher who accuses her of prying into the private lives of others.Visit our website for photos and other materials referenced in the story: https://adultsintheroom.libolibo.me/Support investigations by Libo/Libo by giving us a Libo/Libo+ subscription on Apple Podcasts https://cutt.ly/adu05epap Feedback email: adultsintheroom@libolibo.me
Sara Bezrukavnikova and Revekka Gershovich describe how they were abused as children by Mark Gondelman.Visit our website for photos and other materials referenced in the story: https://adultsintheroom.libolibo.me/Support investigations by Libo/Libo by giving us a Libo/Libo+ subscription on Apple Podcasts https://cutt.ly/adu05epap Feedback email: adultsintheroom@libolibo.me
Mark Gondelman is a former teacher at Sambation, a summer camp for high-achieving students in Russia. He's also been accused of sexually abusing children. Nastya confronts him at Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany, where he works as a research assistant.Visit our website for photos and other materials referenced in the story: https://adultsintheroom.libolibo.me/Support investigations by Libo/Libo by giving us a Libo/Libo+ subscription on Apple Podcasts https://cutt.ly/adu05epap Feedback email: adultsintheroom@libolibo.me
The Adults in the Room is an investigation into alleged sexual abuse of children. The series begins at a prestigious Moscow school, then crosses the globe into America, Israel and beyond. It's a tale of violence, betrayal and impunity – but of courage, too. It's hosted by Nastya Krasilnikova. All ten episodes will be available on Wednesday, May 15th.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
