Dutch Olympian Denied Australian Visa

Steven van de Velde, a Dutch beach volleyball player and convicted child rapist, has been denied a visa to enter Australia for the upcoming Beach Volleyball World Championships in Adelaide. The Australian government, through Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, cited the need to ensure the safety of Australians and the country's 'character test' policy as reasons for the denial. South Australian Attorney-General Kyam Maher had also urged the federal government to reject the visa due to Van de Velde's 'utterly abhorrent' crimes. Van de Velde was convicted in 2016 for raping a 12-year-old girl in the UK in 2014 and served 13 months of a four-year sentence. The Dutch Volleyball Association expressed regret but accepted the decision, acknowledging that Van de Velde had anticipated potential issues due to his past. His exclusion also means his doubles partner, Alexander Brouwer, will not compete. This decision followed public outcry and an online petition.