Israeli Gymnastics Coach Faces Second Indictment for Sexual Misconduct Against Minors

The Israeli State Prosecutor's Office filed a second indictment on Sunday against Evgeny Yordanov, 51, from Kiryat Ono, who coaches the national gymnastics team. The new charges accuse him of indecent acts against two girls under 16 whom he trained between 2018 and 2019. This indictment follows an earlier one filed on June 14, based on multiple sexual offenses against two other minors he coached.

According to the indictment submitted by attorney Nitzan Friedman of the Tel Aviv District Prosecutor's Office, Yordanov committed indecent acts during training sessions while responsible for the victims. The additional complaints that led to this new indictment were filed after the initial charges were made public.

The case first emerged in May when a 22-year-old gymnast accused Yordanov of abusing her over a decade, including incidents abroad during competitions. She also alleged abuse of a family member. Initially, Yordanov and his defense claimed the accusations were false and motivated by professional rivalry, and sought to keep his identity confidential to protect his livelihood and children. However, Judge Oded Maor rejected this, stating that revealing his name could encourage other victims to come forward, which subsequently happened.

The first indictment includes multiple charges such as rape, indecent acts, attempted aggravated indecent acts, invasion of privacy, and extortion by threats, all involving minors under his supervision. The ongoing legal proceedings highlight serious allegations against a prominent figure in Israeli gymnastics.