Names of Three Assistants Suspected in Ashkelon Abuse Case Released

The names of three assistants suspected in a child abuse case at two private daycare centers in Ashkelon have been cleared for publication: Svetlana Buzdumov, Tatiana Plotnikov, and Anastasia Supronova. A judge ordered their detention extended until Monday, November 16. Two other suspects were released under restrictive conditions. The name of the kindergarten teacher has not yet been released.

During a court hearing, the judge described the investigation materials, stating that they indicate suspected abuse that is not isolated to a single incident. Referring to Buzdumov, the judge noted, "We see her grabbing, throwing, and hitting children. The babies went to kindergarten and returned with bruises." The judge characterized the abuse as "not on the low end."

The police representative stated that the suspicions are based on video footage from security cameras in the daycare centers. Buzdumov reportedly identified herself in a video shown to her during questioning. Plotnikov denies the allegations, though the judge commented that she is downplaying her alleged actions and not outright denying them. Supronova has been questioned twice.

The judge determined that there is a reasonable suspicion of "systematic conduct" occurring in both daycare centers where the suspects worked. She emphasized that the bruises found on the toddlers, combined with the video evidence, demonstrate "massive assault" by the suspects, and no distinction will be made between them at this stage. The full scope of the incidents is still unknown, and the investigation may yield further findings.

The investigation began this week following a complaint filed by the mother of one of the toddlers. The Ministry of Education also filed a complaint after a supervisor observed suspicious staff behavior on security camera footage. Police have stated they will contact parents of identified alleged victims to gather their testimonies. The investigation is ongoing.