Dutch Volleyball Player Faces Backlash at Olympics

Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde, who was convicted in 2016 for raping a 12-year-old girl, is facing significant backlash as he prepares to compete at the Paris Olympics. The Dutch Olympic Committee has decided to isolate him from his teammates and prevent him from speaking to the media to ensure calm during the Games. Despite completing a rehabilitation program, his inclusion has sparked outrage from human rights groups and led to a petition calling for a ban on known sex offenders in the Olympics, which has garnered nearly 81,000 signatures. Van de Velde's past actions and current participation have prompted calls for an investigation by the International Olympic Committee, as various support organizations criticize the decision. Officials from the Dutch Olympic Committee argue that he has demonstrated self-reflection since his release and express surprise at the heightened scrutiny surrounding his participation. Competing teams like Australia have openly stated they would not select individuals with such serious criminal convictions.