Moscow, Nov 30 (IANS) A number of athletes have testified that former Russian anti-doping lab director Grigory Rodchenkov had incited them to use drugs, the Russian Investigative Committee said on Wednesday.
Vice Chairman of the committee Ilua Lazutov said it questioned suspended Deputy Sports Minister Yury Nagornykh, former heads of Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), as well as more than 50 athletes and trainers in the investigation, reports Sputnik.
"A number of athletes have given direct testimony that Rodchenkov urged them to use the products... that were later designated as doping," Lazutov said at an independent anti-doping commission hosted by the Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency.
"We are questioning everyone involved in the investigation regarding Rodchenkov. We are studying all claims regarding alleged opening of containers and substitution of doping samples."
"Requests for legal assistance have been sent to the US to receive testimony from Grigory Rodchenkov, to Canada, to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)," Lazutov added.
"While investigating the criminal cases, the Investigative Committee continues to be open to cooperation with the relevant agencies and non-governmental organisations abroad, including the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee," he stressed.
