The Adults in the Room
By libo/libo
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
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
Latest episode
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The Adults in the Room: Trailer
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 – b… -
Episode 1: A Fortress Besieged
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 … -
Episode 2: Something Indecent
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: -
Episode 3: Everybody Knew
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 … -
Episode 4: Animal-like Behavior
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 ma… -
Episode 5: The Storm Begins
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… -
Episode 6: The Survivor's Career
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.V… -
Episode 7: Institutional Betrayal
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 o… -
Episode 8: The Men
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: -
Episode 9: Violation of Everything
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…