Convicted Rapist Steven van de Velde Competes in Olympics

Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde, a convicted child rapist, is set to compete in the Paris Olympics, igniting widespread outrage and calls for an investigation into the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Van de Velde was convicted in 2016 for raping a 12-year-old girl and served only 12 months of a four-year sentence before being released. Critics, including Ciara Bergman, CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales, argue that his participation sends a harmful message to both victims and potential offenders, highlighting an 'enormous sense of impunity'. The Dutch National Olympic Committee has defended its decision, stating that Van de Velde has undergone professional counseling and meets qualification requirements. Public figures are calling for the IOC to take a clear stance on sexual violence and reconsider the inclusion of athletes with such serious convictions. The situation has overshadowed the opening of the Games and raised significant ethical questions about athlete representation and accountability.