IOC to investigate participation of convicted child molester in Paris Games

Van de Velde is alleged to have raped a 12-year-old girl in 2014 – when he was 19. Authorities claimed that he first met the girl online and flew from Amsterdam to London a short time later to have sex with her – despite being aware of her age. In 2016, he was sentenced to four years in prison for rape.

However, after spending 12 months behind bars in the UK, he was transferred to the Netherlands where he was re-sentenced. He was released about a month later. After serving his sentence, he told a local media outlet that he was not a paedophile.

The Dutch Volleyball Association then allowed him to compete again, which eventually enabled him and his partner to qualify for this summer’s games. Matthew Immers.

However, the IOC must now expect strong reactions because it allowed him to step onto the sand of the picturesque competition site near the Eiffel Tower … with Ciara Bergmanthe CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales, calls for an official investigation into the case.

“If you can rape a child and still compete in the Olympics, even though all the athletes have signed a statement promising to be role models, it’s just shocking,” Bergman said. according to The Guardian.

“How did we get here? How did we get to a point where the rape of a child is seen as less important than the medal someone might win at the Olympics? This is just extraordinary. I think there needs to be an investigation into how this could happen. It needs to be a moment for real reflection and real change.”

The Dutch Olympic Committee announced BBC It will also continue to stand by its decision to involve Van de Velde, who authorities say has “sought and received professional advice” since his conviction.

“Van de Velde has always acted transparently in this case, which he describes as the biggest misstep of his life. He deeply regrets the consequences of his actions for those involved.”

Pieter van den HoogenbandChef de Mission of the Dutch Olympic team 2024, also pointed out that Van De Velde had taken part in several competitions since his conviction, including world championships.