Dutch volleyball star Steven van de Velde, a convicted youngster rapist, is slated to compete within the Paris Olympics this week … and the IOC is now going through severe strain to analyze how he was in a position to be included within the Video games regardless of his disgraced previous.
Van de Velde allegedly raped a 12-year-old again in 2014 — when he was 19. Authorities claimed he initially met the woman on-line — after which flew from Amsterdam to London a short while later to have sexual relations together with her — this regardless of him being conscious of her age. In 2016, he was convicted of rape and sentenced to 4 years in jail.
Nonetheless, after serving 12 months behind bars in Britain, he was transferred to the Netherlands, the place he was resentenced. Roughly a month later, he was launched. Following his time served, he advised a neighborhood media outlet he was not a pedophile.
The Dutch Volleyball Affiliation then allowed him to return to competitors — which finally led to him qualifying for this summer time’s Video games, alongside his accomplice Matthew Immers.
The IOC, although, is now going through backlash for permitting him to step foot on the sand on the picturesque competitors court docket close to the Eiffel Tower … with Ciara Bergman, the CEO of Rape Disaster England & Wales, calling for an official probe into the matter.
“If you can rape a child and still compete in the Olympics, despite all athletes signing a declaration promising to be a role model, that is just shocking,” Bergman mentioned, in keeping with The Guardian.
“How did we get here? How did we get to a place where raping a child is seen as less important than the medal someone might win at the Olympics? It’s just extraordinary. I think there has to be some kind of investigation into this and how it was allowed to happen. It has to be a moment for real thinking and real change.”
The Dutch Olympic Committee advised BBC it’ll proceed to face by its choice to incorporate Van de Velde, who officers say has “sought and received professional counseling” because the conviction.
“Van de Velde has consistently remained transparent about the case which he refers to as the most significant misstep of his life. He deeply regrets the consequences of his actions for those involved.”
Pieter van den Hoogenband, Chef de mission for the 2024 Netherlands Olympic group, additionally identified that Van De Velde has performed in a number of competitions because the conviction, together with World Cups.
Van De Velde — who will reportedly not be talking with media in Paris — will face off in opposition to Italy on Sunday within the Preliminary Section on the Eiffel Tower Centre Courtroom.
