Key points: Afina Simeonidis, a former St. Petersburg English teacher, has been declared mentally fit to stand trial on charges she sexually abused pupils she tutored. Authorities say two boys born in 2013 were taken to her apartment on three occasions in 2025; investigators say the number of alleged victims has since risen to three. Simeonidis denies the allegations; tabloid claims of explicit messages remain unconfirmed and no trial date has been set.
Former St. Petersburg English Teacher Declared Fit For Trial Over Alleged Abuse Of Pupils
Afina Simeonidis
A former English teacher in St. Petersburg, Afina Simeonidis (also known in English as "Athena"), 23, has been declared mentally competent to stand trial on charges that she sexually abused schoolboys she tutored in her apartment, Russian authorities say.
Investigation and Charges
Viktor Kozlov, first deputy head of the St. Petersburg branch of the Russian Investigative Committee, told state news agency RIA Novosti on July 27 that Simeonidis was found free of mental disorders following psychological and psychiatric examinations. Prosecutors have charged her under Article 132 of the Russian Criminal Code, which carries possible sentences of 15–20 years for violent sexual crimes against a child under 14.
Investigators say that after turning 22, Simeonidis invited two of her pupils, both born in 2013, to her apartment on three occasions — twice in April and once in July 2025 — and abused them. Court press services said the acts were committed "for the purpose of satisfying her sexual desire." RIA Novosti reported in July that the number of alleged victims has risen to three; authorities have not released details about the third child.
Detention, Release And Ongoing Case
Simeonidis was detained on December 16, 2025. Two days later, Vyborg District Court remanded her in custody until February 15, 2026; a request for house arrest was denied. At the end of December 2025, however, the head of the Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, ordered a re-check of the case and Simeonidis was released from pretrial detention after signing a written pledge not to leave the city, RIA Novosti reported. A trial date has not been set.
Defense, Media Reports And Unconfirmed Claims
Simeonidis has denied the allegations. Media outlets have reported competing claims: Mail.ru cited an account that one boy said he invented allegations after being rejected by the teacher, while the teacher's mother described the accusations as retaliation by children with unrequited feelings and said the boys visited for English lessons accompanied by her 16-year-old son. British tabloid coverage — including The Sun — has circulated unverified claims that Simeonidis exchanged sexually explicit messages with pupils and called them her "husbands;" investigators and the court have not confirmed those details.
Asked about the situation earlier this year, Simeonidis told reporters, "I'm going through a really tough time right now."
Background
Before these events, Simeonidis worked as a class teacher at Gymnasium No. 74 in St. Petersburg's Vyborg district. She graduated with honors from Herzen Russian State Pedagogical University and was awarded a presidential medal and certificate — signed by President Vladimir Putin — for participation in the 2024 World Youth Festival, according to URA.RU.
What Happens Next
The investigation and any subsequent court proceedings remain ongoing. Authorities have confirmed some core allegations and legal steps but have not corroborated tabloid reports about explicit messaging. Because minors are involved, officials have withheld identifying details about the victims.
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