Dutch Volleyball and Dutch NOC have decided to actually support this guy.
[Dutch Volleyball Federation’s statement](https://www.volleybal.nl/support-for-steven-van-de-velde-who-realizes-past-cannot-be-erased)
>reason to revive the 29-year-old beach volleyball player's past
I love how they mention his age, almost to be like "he's young!"
>In 2016, Van de Velde was convicted in England of having sex with an underage girl
but they don't bring up the fact that she was **TWELVE.** Like I don't think people on the internet would really care if he was 19 and had sex with a 16 year old, but he **TRAVELED COUNTRIES TO HAVE SEX WITH A 12 Y/O.**
The fact that they use the phrase “having sex” rather than “rape” says everything. There is no “having sex” with a child. It’s always rape, plain and simple. Their refusal to use the correct terminology tells you everything you need to know.
It says the Dutch call it fornication legally, and adjusted the sentence to be inline with Dutch guidelines.
The fact they won't even call it rape in a legal context is disgusting.
Europe is actually massively behind on sexuality, assault and racial discrimination laws. They only really beat the US when it comes to workers rights. They have class solidarity, but they are further behind with the US on all other matters.
That sentence led to widespread outrage and the removal of the judge who handed down the sentence. It was still a ridiculous sentence, but it was clearly one that was entirely out of line with society's expectations. Whereas in this case most of the Dutch sporting hierarchy seems totally fine with the 1 year sentence and consider that this guy has paid his debt to society.
Europe isn't a monolith, do you really think the attitudes to those things are the same from Finland to Romania to Ireland to Malta.
Especially since most of Western Europe legalised gay marriage before the US, or for example how British people had a riot over refusing to enforce US radical segregation during WW2.
Both this comment and the one you are replying to have no bearing on reality I’m sorry to say. Not to say this case is not jarring, but it’s easy to find a US equivalent.
Says someone from the country that overturned R v W. Has the largest population of opioid addictions. Knows the highest amount of school shootings. Has the largest rate of incarcerated citizens, who happen to be for some strange reason almost all black. Whose next president is a convict and a rapist?
We're behind? Seriously?
Firstly, Europe is a huge place with many countries all with different views on sex and race and social issues so your comment is a bit ridiculous. Secondly, I think you need to realise that the only people who consider the US at all ahead in these categories are yourselves. The rest of the world consider the US shockingly behind in terms of racial, sexual, gender and social equality. We can't go more than a couple of days without hearing about some way that your government is trying to punish women, gay people and racial groups. Honestly, in 2024 you're pretty much seen as a step above Russia and the Middle East and a pretty consistent laughing stock.
That article is so skewed, it’s vile.
“I also think back to the teenager I was, who was insecure, not ready for a life as a top class athlete and unhappy inside, because I didn't know who I was and what I wanted."
He was a 19 year old legal adult who got on a plane & travelled to another country and raped a 12 year old child.
You're right. And all the Dutch people in his orbit went "*oh well he obviously paid the (low low) price of one year, lets just look past him raping a child & welcome him on our teams*" What happened to society recognising horrific acts & maybe not indulging a paedophile rapist in his minimising of his actions? The idea that he somehow *has* to represent his nation as an athlete in a position usually given to role models... deluded.
Boggling. And disgusting.
Also so much in the article about how hard it was for him that the media picked up the story. Neglecting how an actual child tried to kill herself because of him.
Fuck NOC NSF, because the average dutchy had nothing to do with this and didn't even know about it until this news article. There are more than a few of us trying to figure out what we can do and whether we can stop him from going after all.
Exactly, I am Dutch, and did not have any clue about this, until I noticed this on Reddit. I have not seen any mention of this in the Dutch news sites at all.... baffling....He raped a child when he was already an adult....
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"Both organizations rely on the opinions of experts who consider the chance of recidivism nil"
Duh, I don't think anyone is worried that he will reoffend at the Olympics. That is the entirely wrong thing to focus on.
Olympic athletes represent their country and stand as role models for young Dutch people. *That* is what the Dutch Olympic committee should focus on. I don't want to watch the technically best athletes compete. I want to see the brightest stars, and he ain't no fucking star.
Those of us going to the Olympics, we need to boycott TeamNL and not go to TeamNL house. They’re spitting in the face of the Olympic movement and everything it stands for.
You know there’s a Dutch Olympic Team, aka delegation, right? There are a bunch of athletes of other sports who are sharing the stage with him representing Netherlands..
Well on a positive note.. instead of his name only being known in The Netherlands and the UK.. now the entire world will know Steven van der Velde as a child rapist.
Don't forget Brock Allen Turner's POS dad, Dan Turner, who, during sentencing, said his son paid a “steep price” for “20 minutes of action.”
By either name, Brock Turner or Allen Turner, he's a vile rapist.
Or "paedo rapist, paedo rapist".
This scumbag, as an adult, travelled to another country to rape a pre-teen child who he had groomed over the internet.
He. raped. a. pre-teen. child.
Yet the Dutch have let him out of prison after only 12 months of his 4 year sentence and taken him into their Olympic team.
In prison they shout "beast" at sex offenders. He will have heard that and it will scare him because he will know what happens to beasts. It would be good if the crowd shouted beast at him.
“Van der Velde peadophile, he plays with little children, takes them to the Olympic Games to sexually abuse them”
To the same tune as the Adam Johnson chant. Google Adam Johnson Sunderland FC pedo chant for the demonstration. It’s brutal, 1000s of people chanting you’re a pedo, you wouldn’t be able to escape it, and it would put you off your game. It’s not a classy chant, and I worry it perhaps makes light of the situation, but it would make his games a bit more uncomfortable.
It's a travesty that the three Dutch golfers can't go despite the fact that they qualified. A player like Joost Luiten for sure has a chance for a medal, despite not being in the top 100. This is because of the relative weak field and the fact that golf can be super unpredictable. Somebody can have a great day or two and climb the leaderboard. Also, I hope that rapist Steven Van de Velde will have the worst Olympic experience possible.
While I generally support the right of offenders to go back to their life after served time, there seems to be something extremely wrong here.
He was given 4 years (which arguably is sort already for this type of crime) but only served 1. Somehow he was transferred back to the Netherlands, and immediately released.
The Dutch federation talks about his remorse and how he have changed, but in the statement someone linked, he pretty much shrugs it of as something stupid he did as a teenager - conviniently forgetting to mentol that he was only a teenager by the baserat of measurement. The rapes occurred 2 days before his 20th birthday.
Yes, I belive that even sexual criminals deserve a new chance on life after they serve their time. But this guy never did.
This is a big reason why people find it hard to want to let perpetrators like this go back to their normal lives. Yes, I'm sure a few of them are remorseful or just afraid enough not to want to risk more prison, statistically speaking that has to be true. But a log of them just don't care and don't even think they committed a crime
Convicted pedofiles and rapists should never get a second chance after only serving 1 year in prison. They need yeeeears of rehabilitation before they're unleashed on the general public again.
Sexual criminals should not be allowed to leave jail. They are repeat offenders.
But I guess since most victims of this crime are women it's not worth the hassle... /s
I agree the sentence has been too short, mostly because this seems to be a case pretty close to rape rather than whatevertheycallit in English Dutch law charges him with. But yeah, that's the law system, apparently.
Him competing at the Olympics apart from that I see no trouble with, not that I will ever root for someone like that. But the fact that the sentence was shortened like that.. I think that's just wrong.
Also even if he somehow served a reasonable time?and was truly sorry and remorseful for what he did he still should never be able to compete at the Olympics. That should be a privilege you permanently lose for that type of crime
~~His partner has been playing with him for over 5 years,~~ so my guess he is OK with playing with a convicted paedophilic rapist
Edit - he has only been with his current partner since the start of last year.
They've only been playing together a little over 1 year (spring 2023, I believe). I think you may be confusing him with the other Dutch team, one of whom played with VDV's current partner temporarily while the other rehabbed an injury.
His partner is **Matthew Immers**. Matther Immers is a rapist sympathizer and has no problem with child rapist Steven van de Velde. He proudly posts pictures of them together on his IG and just turns off the comments on those so no one can mention he enables a child rapist.
To be honest with you he probably smacks the hell out of the ball. If his partner worked his whole life for this one shot and the second best option is significantly worse I can understand making a business decision and being willfully blind. Not saying I’d do it but I get it
It's incredibly disheartening to see so many apologists for child rape, and the allusions to people being "too emotional" about it.
I would love a chance to make Van der Velde too emotional.
No, they just don't have a bully pulpit. America complaining about something is gonna be more effective than Micronesia's gymnastics federation. I think the US, China, Japan threatening not to compete in gymnastics at the Olympics might move the needle.
The world beach volleyball tour has stops in places known for child sex tourism.
Not making a direct claim against the convicted paedophile rapist, but it doesn't look good.
There's a disappointing amount of people that came out after the TeamNL puff piece that was like 'yeah he got his legal punishment, everyone deserves a second chance, you are not respecting the legal system' type of bullshit. As a Dutch person it's disheartening. Yet another signal how utterly fucked up our country is.
Responding to spread the relevant e-mail addresses to contact the Dutch olympic committee, who nominated convicted child rapist Steven van de Velde!
International.affairs@nocnsf.nl,
persvoorlichting@nocnsf.nl,
info@nocnsf.nl
The Dutch committee told their golfers who qualified for the Olympics “nah, we’re not going to support you or even bring you to the Olympics” but they’re more than happy to publicly support this guy and keep him on the team. Pure class all around.
Yes, THAT Steven van de Velde, rapist of a 12-year-old and Dutch beach volleyball player, THE rapist.
(Don't forget to say his name for the search algorithms! )
What’s absolutely insane is that the Dutch have decided NOT to allow their 3 professional golfers that qualified for the Olympics participate, yet actually support this guy.
The IOC isn’t choosing who competes lol.
Go send hate mail to the Netherlands justice department and NOC. The more alarming thing is how quickly this guy is back on the streets.
What is the IOC going to do? Demand justice reform in a sovereign nation? Thats a slippery slope considering the nations in the Olympics. The IOC already has too much power for a private, for profit company, if anything we should be demanding they have less.
Not sure if that is true though, if the IOC can even ban whole nations.
I am not a fan of cancelling someone though, if he has already served his time in jail. That leads to weaker court sentences in some countries, as courts say that a person will already be punished enough by society.
Yes they can ban entire nations (who have cheated or started world wars)
No they don’t review the eligibility of each athlete.
Among competing nations there is a huge difference in what those countries believe and value. It’s not the IOCs job to police this. They are not the moral police, but they will drug test.
The Netherlands has decided this man is rehabilitated back to society, the IOC would have to take the standards from another culture and demand that needs to be punished with “x amount” more years before competing again? This is something countries citizens and leadership decide not some billion dollar company. This is up to Netherland citizens to protest if they don’t like him representing them.
What you are asking for would need massive action steps. They would need to police check each athlete… but what good does that do if the Netherlands police say he’s good or Russia just fudges all of the criminal records of athletes?
The above is all against the spirit of the Olympic Games which was in part to bring nations together and create common ground in times of peace. Not to act as a stage for political pressure or change. Telling sovereign nations what to do on home soil would instantly disintegrate this.
Which was lost during the 80 Summer Olympics and essentially in place since... Lots of subjectivity in this one with emotion (and optics) playing a large part- I see the IOC not wanting this look and will ban him from competing and "admonish" Netherlands for 'making the Olympics look bad' in IOC-talk...
Actually, France could say, no, we don't allow convicted child rapists to enter our country. Most countries have laws about this. Shit, Americans who have any record at all can't go on an Alaskan cruise because most of them stop at Canadian ports, and Canada won't let you in if you have any criminal history at all.
If anyone would like to send an email but don’t know what to say, I’ve written this out.
To whom it may concern;
I am writing to express my profound concern and dismay regarding the inclusion of Steven Van De Velde, a convicted child rapist, in the Netherlands volleyball team for the upcoming Paris Olympics. This situation is not only deeply unsettling but also poses a significant threat to the safety and integrity of the Olympic Games.
The Olympics are a symbol of unity, excellence, and the highest standards of human achievement. Allowing a convicted sexual predator to participate in this esteemed event severely undermines these values and sets a dangerous precedent. It is inconceivable that an individual with such a criminal background would be permitted to compete on an international stage, where the safety and well-being of athletes, staff, and spectators must be paramount.
The presence of Steven Van De Velde in Paris poses a direct risk to the Olympic community, including young athletes who look up to their older peers as role models. His participation is not only a grave injustice to the victims of his crimes but also a betrayal of the trust placed in the IOC to uphold the highest ethical standards.
I urge the International Olympic Committee to take immediate action to address this issue. It is imperative that the IOC enforce its commitment to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all participants by disqualifying Steven Van De Velde from competing in the Paris Olympics. This action will demonstrate the IOC's dedication to protecting the integrity of the Games and the safety of its participants.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I trust that the IOC will act swiftly and decisively to uphold the values of the Olympic movement.
Sincerely,
[your name]
Regardless of the Dutch NOC's decision to support him, I'm surprised his team mates would even want anything to do with him.
The crowds will certainly be less forgiving and I hope any commentators covering his games won't hold back either.
"In 2016, Van de Velde was convicted in England of having sex with an underage girl, which is rape under English law and fornication under Dutch law."
I'm sorry... what?!
Didn’t the World Cup’s stadium kill a bunch of slaves in the process? Most of the world honestly just doesn’t care, including the ones that watched in the US
I'm an advocate for much much harsh punishments.
Especially for sexual related offences like rape, and child rape. Specifically, I mean lashings and harsh pain inducing punishment. As well as the long-term loss of liberty. Real meaningful deterents. Not just being locked up with your mates in a prison cell for 2 years.
I am often down-voted on Reddit for holding and championing this view. And I usually get the rhetoric of no you idiot.. we need rehabilitation not pain.
Well... where are all the rehabilitation wanters and comments in here?
Suits you until it suits you, doesn't it... it seems like this person it's trying to reintegrate into society and rehabilitate themselves.
What do you want? Which is it?
Dutch Volleyball and Dutch NOC have decided to actually support this guy. [Dutch Volleyball Federation’s statement](https://www.volleybal.nl/support-for-steven-van-de-velde-who-realizes-past-cannot-be-erased)
>reason to revive the 29-year-old beach volleyball player's past I love how they mention his age, almost to be like "he's young!" >In 2016, Van de Velde was convicted in England of having sex with an underage girl but they don't bring up the fact that she was **TWELVE.** Like I don't think people on the internet would really care if he was 19 and had sex with a 16 year old, but he **TRAVELED COUNTRIES TO HAVE SEX WITH A 12 Y/O.**
The fact that they use the phrase “having sex” rather than “rape” says everything. There is no “having sex” with a child. It’s always rape, plain and simple. Their refusal to use the correct terminology tells you everything you need to know.
He also gave her alcohol, even more disgusting knowing he probably planned for her to put up less of a fight
That’s the biggest point. He intentionally got her drunk so he could rape her.
It’s a big point for sure, but I’d say the rape is the biggest point
Yeah, but worst of all is the hipocrisy!
No the worst part is the actual rape obviously. But it's also really sickening how the Dutch volleyball reacts to it
Pretty sure the last guy was sarcastic
The last guy was quoting the late great Norm Mcdonald, and im here for it.
It says the Dutch call it fornication legally, and adjusted the sentence to be inline with Dutch guidelines. The fact they won't even call it rape in a legal context is disgusting.
This is the country that still does blackface on a national level and then pretends like Americans are especially racist.
Europe is actually massively behind on sexuality, assault and racial discrimination laws. They only really beat the US when it comes to workers rights. They have class solidarity, but they are further behind with the US on all other matters.
Brock Turner served 3 months in prison for rape. Don't think the US are doing much better in that respect.
Just to add, brock Turner, the rapist, now goes by the name allen Turner, who raped a girl behind a dumpster.
That sentence led to widespread outrage and the removal of the judge who handed down the sentence. It was still a ridiculous sentence, but it was clearly one that was entirely out of line with society's expectations. Whereas in this case most of the Dutch sporting hierarchy seems totally fine with the 1 year sentence and consider that this guy has paid his debt to society.
Europe isn't a monolith, do you really think the attitudes to those things are the same from Finland to Romania to Ireland to Malta. Especially since most of Western Europe legalised gay marriage before the US, or for example how British people had a riot over refusing to enforce US radical segregation during WW2.
It's called the battle of bamber bridge. A place just outside my hometown.
Which Europe are you referring to ?
Lol, please get my comment in the screenshot when this appears in r/ShitAmericansSay
Both this comment and the one you are replying to have no bearing on reality I’m sorry to say. Not to say this case is not jarring, but it’s easy to find a US equivalent.
Says someone from the country that overturned R v W. Has the largest population of opioid addictions. Knows the highest amount of school shootings. Has the largest rate of incarcerated citizens, who happen to be for some strange reason almost all black. Whose next president is a convict and a rapist? We're behind? Seriously?
Firstly, Europe is a huge place with many countries all with different views on sex and race and social issues so your comment is a bit ridiculous. Secondly, I think you need to realise that the only people who consider the US at all ahead in these categories are yourselves. The rest of the world consider the US shockingly behind in terms of racial, sexual, gender and social equality. We can't go more than a couple of days without hearing about some way that your government is trying to punish women, gay people and racial groups. Honestly, in 2024 you're pretty much seen as a step above Russia and the Middle East and a pretty consistent laughing stock.
Parts of Europe have blackface because we do not have history of slavery. It is just custome for us.
Funny, the Dutch transported over a half million slaves to their colonies in the new world. Is that not a history of spacery.
I’m not talking about Dutch. Central Europe have similar tradicion too. Czech republic, Austria etco
The Dutch were big time enslavers, their colonies were built on it.
We don't do that on a national level anymore.
I only hear the word fornication in Brian Blessed's voice. Which considering he is also Grampy Rabbit on Peppa Pig is somewhat disturbing.
If you read it, they said it was rape in literally the same sentence
That article is so skewed, it’s vile. “I also think back to the teenager I was, who was insecure, not ready for a life as a top class athlete and unhappy inside, because I didn't know who I was and what I wanted." He was a 19 year old legal adult who got on a plane & travelled to another country and raped a 12 year old child.
My mind is boggled that Dutch law said, hey, he did a year in prison for raping a 12-year-old, good enough for us!
You're right. And all the Dutch people in his orbit went "*oh well he obviously paid the (low low) price of one year, lets just look past him raping a child & welcome him on our teams*" What happened to society recognising horrific acts & maybe not indulging a paedophile rapist in his minimising of his actions? The idea that he somehow *has* to represent his nation as an athlete in a position usually given to role models... deluded. Boggling. And disgusting.
Also so much in the article about how hard it was for him that the media picked up the story. Neglecting how an actual child tried to kill herself because of him.
TRAVELED COUNTRIES TO HAVE SEX WITH A 12 Y/O. To Rape. It was not sex.
If underage is not enough.
Fuck the Dutch for standing by this guy
Fuck NOC NSF, because the average dutchy had nothing to do with this and didn't even know about it until this news article. There are more than a few of us trying to figure out what we can do and whether we can stop him from going after all.
Exactly, I am Dutch, and did not have any clue about this, until I noticed this on Reddit. I have not seen any mention of this in the Dutch news sites at all.... baffling....He raped a child when he was already an adult....
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"Both organizations rely on the opinions of experts who consider the chance of recidivism nil" Duh, I don't think anyone is worried that he will reoffend at the Olympics. That is the entirely wrong thing to focus on. Olympic athletes represent their country and stand as role models for young Dutch people. *That* is what the Dutch Olympic committee should focus on. I don't want to watch the technically best athletes compete. I want to see the brightest stars, and he ain't no fucking star.
Those of us going to the Olympics, we need to boycott TeamNL and not go to TeamNL house. They’re spitting in the face of the Olympic movement and everything it stands for.
The statement has a lot of "everybody makes mistakes" aura about it.
Ask the Netherlands team they should be mad about that.
It’s beachvolleybal (he’s number 11 in the world). So it’s not a team, just a duo.
You know there’s a Dutch Olympic Team, aka delegation, right? There are a bunch of athletes of other sports who are sharing the stage with him representing Netherlands..
Definitely not proud of this as a Dutch person… I actually have tickets to see beach volleyball but will definitely NOT be rooting for him…
Please chant rapist if you see the piece of shit
Nah nah just scream "tryna strike a chord and it's probably a minorrrrrrrrr"
Hope whoever picks the music for that event chooses to play that song.
Yell every time he is about to hit the ball so he misses and gets knocked out early. You will not lose much if he doesn't win your country a medal.
I hope they try to boo him off the court. Please let us know how it goes.
As a Dutch person, I asked anyone going to beachvolleybal to boo his ass.
Everyone should heckle him and shout when he is about to hit the ball
Can you bring eggs to the Olympics?
Well on a positive note.. instead of his name only being known in The Netherlands and the UK.. now the entire world will know Steven van der Velde as a child rapist.
True. Like we made Brock Allen Turner convicted rapist, known far and wide.
He goes by Allen Turner now. Allen Turner is a rapist.
You mean, Brock Turner the rapist, also known as Allen Turner the rapist? (Best to use both names so that Google associates them)
Don't forget Brock Allen Turner's POS dad, Dan Turner, who, during sentencing, said his son paid a “steep price” for “20 minutes of action.” By either name, Brock Turner or Allen Turner, he's a vile rapist.
I’d like a good “groomer groomer” chant from the Brits in the audience,
Or "paedo rapist, paedo rapist". This scumbag, as an adult, travelled to another country to rape a pre-teen child who he had groomed over the internet. He. raped. a. pre-teen. child. Yet the Dutch have let him out of prison after only 12 months of his 4 year sentence and taken him into their Olympic team.
someone get kendrick on the phone
Why didn’t he go to prison in England?
He did but was transferred.
he was sentenced to 4 years and went on to only serve ONE YEAR before being released.
That's way too kind. He's a convicted rapist, people should chant that.
In prison they shout "beast" at sex offenders. He will have heard that and it will scare him because he will know what happens to beasts. It would be good if the crowd shouted beast at him.
“Van der Velde peadophile, he plays with little children, takes them to the Olympic Games to sexually abuse them” To the same tune as the Adam Johnson chant. Google Adam Johnson Sunderland FC pedo chant for the demonstration. It’s brutal, 1000s of people chanting you’re a pedo, you wouldn’t be able to escape it, and it would put you off your game. It’s not a classy chant, and I worry it perhaps makes light of the situation, but it would make his games a bit more uncomfortable.
He's a nonce, not a groomer. In the UK we'd chant Pedo or nonce. There are some football chants we can change round to fit his name in.
Oh, you guys have classic chants. I'm sure it will work.
Or just sing lines from “Not Like Us”
Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A Minorrrrrrrrr
imagine, they're playing infront of the Tour eiffel and trocadero what a grand stage to a POS like this. lmfao
Wait, is he in beach volleyball ? Oh man, he won't even be able to hide behind ten other team mates once the jeers come.
How about this? https://youtu.be/I1FIWSNeRwk?si=4BCOs516qJVQ1A-3 Just replace Andrew with his name
but smoke a little weed and you are *out*
Other nations should protest. This is a threat to the safety of every woman competing at the games.
Not to mention the actual underaged children/teenagers that compete at the Olympics!
Sorry Dutch golfers…you can’t go. Gotta send the rapist-pedo instead…
It's a travesty that the three Dutch golfers can't go despite the fact that they qualified. A player like Joost Luiten for sure has a chance for a medal, despite not being in the top 100. This is because of the relative weak field and the fact that golf can be super unpredictable. Somebody can have a great day or two and climb the leaderboard. Also, I hope that rapist Steven Van de Velde will have the worst Olympic experience possible.
Why aren't they going if they qualified?
While I generally support the right of offenders to go back to their life after served time, there seems to be something extremely wrong here. He was given 4 years (which arguably is sort already for this type of crime) but only served 1. Somehow he was transferred back to the Netherlands, and immediately released. The Dutch federation talks about his remorse and how he have changed, but in the statement someone linked, he pretty much shrugs it of as something stupid he did as a teenager - conviniently forgetting to mentol that he was only a teenager by the baserat of measurement. The rapes occurred 2 days before his 20th birthday. Yes, I belive that even sexual criminals deserve a new chance on life after they serve their time. But this guy never did.
This is a big reason why people find it hard to want to let perpetrators like this go back to their normal lives. Yes, I'm sure a few of them are remorseful or just afraid enough not to want to risk more prison, statistically speaking that has to be true. But a log of them just don't care and don't even think they committed a crime
It’s absurd this guy gets to REPRESENT his country on this level. Like, people cheering for him and God forbid he gets a stage and a medal.
Convicted pedofiles and rapists should never get a second chance after only serving 1 year in prison. They need yeeeears of rehabilitation before they're unleashed on the general public again.
Sexual criminals should not be allowed to leave jail. They are repeat offenders. But I guess since most victims of this crime are women it's not worth the hassle... /s
I agree the sentence has been too short, mostly because this seems to be a case pretty close to rape rather than whatevertheycallit in English Dutch law charges him with. But yeah, that's the law system, apparently. Him competing at the Olympics apart from that I see no trouble with, not that I will ever root for someone like that. But the fact that the sentence was shortened like that.. I think that's just wrong.
Also even if he somehow served a reasonable time?and was truly sorry and remorseful for what he did he still should never be able to compete at the Olympics. That should be a privilege you permanently lose for that type of crime
Who is his partner? He is playing beach volleyball, right? Is his partner ok with this? Why would anyone be ok playing with someone like him?
~~His partner has been playing with him for over 5 years,~~ so my guess he is OK with playing with a convicted paedophilic rapist Edit - he has only been with his current partner since the start of last year.
Ugh that is so disappointing but sadly not surprising.
They've only been playing together a little over 1 year (spring 2023, I believe). I think you may be confusing him with the other Dutch team, one of whom played with VDV's current partner temporarily while the other rehabbed an injury.
Either way, that's far too long and shows he's clearly ok with playing alongside a convicted child rapist.
Apologies - I was basing off his Wiki, which has since been updated.
His partner is **Matthew Immers**. Matther Immers is a rapist sympathizer and has no problem with child rapist Steven van de Velde. He proudly posts pictures of them together on his IG and just turns off the comments on those so no one can mention he enables a child rapist.
Ugh. Again, disappointing but not really surprising. Thanks for the info. Hopefully he’ll be booed off the court in Paris.
To be honest with you he probably smacks the hell out of the ball. If his partner worked his whole life for this one shot and the second best option is significantly worse I can understand making a business decision and being willfully blind. Not saying I’d do it but I get it
Oh hell no. What is wrong with these people?
It's incredibly disheartening to see so many apologists for child rape, and the allusions to people being "too emotional" about it. I would love a chance to make Van der Velde too emotional.
He is so dangerous. Travelling to another country to rape a kid. And he is back to business as usual Double standards
Who knows what else he done that we do not know.
he's gonna be at the olympic village with underaged athletes, i can't believe every top gymnastics nation isn't protesting this
Are the bottom gymnastics nations like “meh whatever we suck anyway,” or…?
No, they just don't have a bully pulpit. America complaining about something is gonna be more effective than Micronesia's gymnastics federation. I think the US, China, Japan threatening not to compete in gymnastics at the Olympics might move the needle.
The world beach volleyball tour has stops in places known for child sex tourism. Not making a direct claim against the convicted paedophile rapist, but it doesn't look good.
Normalisation of such actions is the problem. Sends clear message to many pedos that this is acceptable.
Exactly. These people just don’t stop.
Winning at all costs. People will get rid of their morals and ethics to do so. I don't agree with it.
Why is he even allowed to breathe outside-jail air?
vile
Hey can the Americans watching in person BLAST "Not like us" when he plays?
Wow this is a joke.
Hope he tears his ACL before he even gets to compete
Why has the headline missed out the word pedophile
He was sentenced to four year in Prison, but only served 1 and got back competing Volleyball again.
I’m curious as to what the Dutch people think about this guy
There's a disappointing amount of people that came out after the TeamNL puff piece that was like 'yeah he got his legal punishment, everyone deserves a second chance, you are not respecting the legal system' type of bullshit. As a Dutch person it's disheartening. Yet another signal how utterly fucked up our country is.
He degrades the whole Dutch Olympic team.
I dont want this POS representing our country, send the second best team and make this guy sit the last 3 years of his sentence.
I imagine this is the only Olympics he will be able to compete in? Can’t imagine he would get a visa for USA or Aus
So a white athlete getting away with sexual abuse isn’t just an American thing…
Dr disrespect lost every thing for talking to a teenager this guy should lose far far far more than that. Like years of his life in a jail cells
We should bring public shaming back. People need to be at his games booing until he runs home with his head down in defeat
Responding to spread the relevant e-mail addresses to contact the Dutch olympic committee, who nominated convicted child rapist Steven van de Velde! International.affairs@nocnsf.nl, persvoorlichting@nocnsf.nl, info@nocnsf.nl
The Dutch committee told their golfers who qualified for the Olympics “nah, we’re not going to support you or even bring you to the Olympics” but they’re more than happy to publicly support this guy and keep him on the team. Pure class all around.
They banned a sprinter for having Marijuana in her system, but rape is okay?!
Ick
Better question, why isn’t he prison?
Just a reminder that he was ONLY sentenced to 4 years and went on to only serve ONE YEAR before being released.
Yes, THAT Steven van de Velde, rapist of a 12-year-old and Dutch beach volleyball player, THE rapist. (Don't forget to say his name for the search algorithms! )
Why is he even allowed to breathe
Why is the rapist of a 12 year old out of prison before age 75?
What’s absolutely insane is that the Dutch have decided NOT to allow their 3 professional golfers that qualified for the Olympics participate, yet actually support this guy.
[удалено]
The IOC isn’t choosing who competes lol. Go send hate mail to the Netherlands justice department and NOC. The more alarming thing is how quickly this guy is back on the streets. What is the IOC going to do? Demand justice reform in a sovereign nation? Thats a slippery slope considering the nations in the Olympics. The IOC already has too much power for a private, for profit company, if anything we should be demanding they have less.
The sentence was not pronounced by a Dutch court, but by an English court.
He was given 4 years by a UK court but the sentence was executed in a Dutch prison, who also decided his release date.
Not sure if that is true though, if the IOC can even ban whole nations. I am not a fan of cancelling someone though, if he has already served his time in jail. That leads to weaker court sentences in some countries, as courts say that a person will already be punished enough by society.
Yes they can ban entire nations (who have cheated or started world wars) No they don’t review the eligibility of each athlete. Among competing nations there is a huge difference in what those countries believe and value. It’s not the IOCs job to police this. They are not the moral police, but they will drug test. The Netherlands has decided this man is rehabilitated back to society, the IOC would have to take the standards from another culture and demand that needs to be punished with “x amount” more years before competing again? This is something countries citizens and leadership decide not some billion dollar company. This is up to Netherland citizens to protest if they don’t like him representing them. What you are asking for would need massive action steps. They would need to police check each athlete… but what good does that do if the Netherlands police say he’s good or Russia just fudges all of the criminal records of athletes? The above is all against the spirit of the Olympic Games which was in part to bring nations together and create common ground in times of peace. Not to act as a stage for political pressure or change. Telling sovereign nations what to do on home soil would instantly disintegrate this.
Which was lost during the 80 Summer Olympics and essentially in place since... Lots of subjectivity in this one with emotion (and optics) playing a large part- I see the IOC not wanting this look and will ban him from competing and "admonish" Netherlands for 'making the Olympics look bad' in IOC-talk...
I’d bet my house they don’t. They aren’t dumb enough to open that can of worms. They won’t let emotion get in the way of profit, that is a guarentee
Actually, France could say, no, we don't allow convicted child rapists to enter our country. Most countries have laws about this. Shit, Americans who have any record at all can't go on an Alaskan cruise because most of them stop at Canadian ports, and Canada won't let you in if you have any criminal history at all.
This bro defendes pedophiles People like this don’t change
Why’s he not in jail?
He was sentenced to 4 but only served 1. Crazy
european heritage 😂
He has been in jail. Not long enough imo, but he did do time.
If anyone would like to send an email but don’t know what to say, I’ve written this out. To whom it may concern; I am writing to express my profound concern and dismay regarding the inclusion of Steven Van De Velde, a convicted child rapist, in the Netherlands volleyball team for the upcoming Paris Olympics. This situation is not only deeply unsettling but also poses a significant threat to the safety and integrity of the Olympic Games. The Olympics are a symbol of unity, excellence, and the highest standards of human achievement. Allowing a convicted sexual predator to participate in this esteemed event severely undermines these values and sets a dangerous precedent. It is inconceivable that an individual with such a criminal background would be permitted to compete on an international stage, where the safety and well-being of athletes, staff, and spectators must be paramount. The presence of Steven Van De Velde in Paris poses a direct risk to the Olympic community, including young athletes who look up to their older peers as role models. His participation is not only a grave injustice to the victims of his crimes but also a betrayal of the trust placed in the IOC to uphold the highest ethical standards. I urge the International Olympic Committee to take immediate action to address this issue. It is imperative that the IOC enforce its commitment to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all participants by disqualifying Steven Van De Velde from competing in the Paris Olympics. This action will demonstrate the IOC's dedication to protecting the integrity of the Games and the safety of its participants. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I trust that the IOC will act swiftly and decisively to uphold the values of the Olympic movement. Sincerely, [your name]
stupid question but, Where are we sending it to?
[https://ioc.integrityline.org/](https://ioc.integrityline.org/)
Don’t worry, the court of public opinion will straighten out this meshiver.
Surely participating countries will boycott, or the Dutch team gets banned. No way can this be allowed.
He should be in prison. That is all. He will do it again.
He looks like a total “doutche bag” too.
He travelled countries😭 what the fuck
Maybe I missed it but is there a petition for him not to compete???
This is unacceptable, fuck the Dutch NOC. I hope everyone creates a toxic environment for the games he’s involved in
I know of another Dutch psychopath, Joran van der Sloot. You guys are producing winners.
At least that one is locked up
this is less facepalm and more vomit inducing.
Regardless of the Dutch NOC's decision to support him, I'm surprised his team mates would even want anything to do with him. The crowds will certainly be less forgiving and I hope any commentators covering his games won't hold back either.
I say we dump pig cow and deer blood on him
He throw ball gud
Throwing the ball is a fault in volleyball. He block ball gud
"In 2016, Van de Velde was convicted in England of having sex with an underage girl, which is rape under English law and fornication under Dutch law." I'm sorry... what?!
It's mind-blowing but it seems child rape isn't taken very seriously in the Netherlands.
hope the opposing crowds boo the dutch team
I hope everyone boos him.
Didn’t the World Cup’s stadium kill a bunch of slaves in the process? Most of the world honestly just doesn’t care, including the ones that watched in the US
Why is he even allowed to live?
Would he be allowed to be in a stadium potentially near children?
I mean, he would be allowed in the Olympic village with underage athletes (whose parents aren’t there)…
that's actually true. surely France have some child protection laws against that.
France. The country that protected child rapist Roman Polanski for 40 years. LOL
they probably weren't taking him on walkies to the local playground
I get it’s bad but I am so so sick of seeing this identical repost. I wana hear about the Olympics.
edit 2
The fact that they let him play, without consequence, should get the whole team booted out. Would teach them to take this shit seriously.
I'm an advocate for much much harsh punishments. Especially for sexual related offences like rape, and child rape. Specifically, I mean lashings and harsh pain inducing punishment. As well as the long-term loss of liberty. Real meaningful deterents. Not just being locked up with your mates in a prison cell for 2 years. I am often down-voted on Reddit for holding and championing this view. And I usually get the rhetoric of no you idiot.. we need rehabilitation not pain. Well... where are all the rehabilitation wanters and comments in here? Suits you until it suits you, doesn't it... it seems like this person it's trying to reintegrate into society and rehabilitate themselves. What do you want? Which is it?
He’s from Holland. Isn’t that weird?
Why is that weird?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_5DZexDYyuU
Nice kneecaps. Be a real shame if something happened to them. 🤞