Prosecutors have overturned the initiation of a criminal case against Konstantin M., a children’s figure skating coach from Novosibirsk, following allegations of harassment. According to a source familiar with the case, the supervisory authority deemed the Investigative Committee’s decision to initiate the case, based on suspicion of lewd acts, as illegal.

The case originated in April when the mothers of two minor figure skaters reported alleged harassment by the coach. They contacted the Investigative Committee, but the initial request to initiate a criminal case was denied.

The parents of the students claimed their children faced difficulties participating in competitions after they attempted to publicize the situation. The figure skating school where the coach was employed suggested the allegations were a result of slander motivated by revenge.

The Prosecutor’s Office of the Novosibirsk Region has not yet provided an official statement regarding the decision.