FIDE
The FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission announced its decision in the case of alleged postal harassment of female chess players by IM Andrejs Strebkovs. The EDC found the Respondent guilty and sanctioned him to a worldwide ban of five years from participating in any FIDE-rated event as a player, or to be physically present at any such FIDE rated event.
A complaint from the FIDE President prompted the EDC investigation submitted on May 1, 2024, based on the findings of two separate investigations - an in-depth report by the Meduza Internet Platform published in February 2022 and a formal police investigation in Riga, Latvia. Both investigations traced the letters back to IM Strebkovs using forensic evidence, including DNA analysis.
"FIDE will not tolerate any form of harassment or abuse within the chess community, especially in the cases where minors are involved," said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich.
"We want to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all players, regardless of whether they are male or female. We welcome the decision by the Ethics & Disciplinary Commission, which sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated."
The Decision of the EDC notes that "FIDE strongly supports chess players competing in a safe and respectful environment. This environment includes and extends to playing venues. Part of this support is encouraging and empowering victims to speak up and report transgressions which contravene with these principles to safeguard a safe environment."
Safeguarding framework under development, would be good to see that sooner rather than later
