A Russian English language teacher has been accused of sending sexually explicit messages to boys as young as 11 and then subjecting them to sexual abuse. Afina Simeonidis, 23, allegedly discussed sexual positions with the boys and made derogatory comments about their genitals.
Allegations of abuse
According to a report prepared after her arrest, the abuse did not stop at discussion. The report alleges that the messages escalated into oral sex and sexual intercourse. The then-22-year-old teacher is said to have been aware of the unlawful and immoral nature of her actions and committed the acts to satisfy her sexual desires.
Simeonidis allegedly called the boys her “husbands” during the period of the alleged abuse. The boys, both born in 2013, were aged 11 and 12 at the time. Prosecutors claim she lured the pupils to her home and performed sex acts on them.
Investigation and charges
The allegations came to light when one of the boys reported the matter to police. Simeonidis is currently under house arrest pending trial and faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty. One boy alleges the abuse occurred during extra tuition sessions at Simeonidis’ flat. The offences are said to have happened between April and July last year.
Simeonidis taught at a school in St Petersburg and was reportedly an award-winning teacher who received a presidential medal and a certificate signed by Vladimir Putin.
Denials and defence
Simeonidis denies the allegations. She reportedly claimed that one of the boys had a crush on her and fabricated the accusations after she rejected him. Speaking earlier this year, she said: “I’m going through a really tough time right now. Honestly, I wouldn’t want to talk about it. I’ve been in the hospital for two months.”
Her mother defended her daughter, stating that “the case with the two boys involved unrequited love.” She added that the children in her daughter’s class “trusted her” and “shared their personal problems with her,” noting that “the investigation is ongoing.”
