The owner of the Venise gay bar in Breda was sentenced to six years in prison on Wednesday for raping two young men. Edwin van der M. (53) has been on fire for years. The town is trying hard to close its bar after many reports of sexual misconduct, laziness and breaches of the closing hours law.
One thing became immediately clear during Wednesday’s trial: Edwin, who took over Breda’s famous gay bar on Halstraat in 2012, does not recognize the charges. He did not commit rape in his home above the bar during Carnival 2019, he said. So that must be someone else. And he never forced the ‘friend with benefits’ he had sex with for years. “We were just good,” explained Edwin.
However, the judges and the public prosecutor had many questions. Why did Edwin pay the young man for sex? Had he made a video blackmailing the man? No, that’s not true, said Edwin.
Step out of life
The young man cannot defend himself because he killed himself in 2020. He had a sexual relationship with Edwin between 2012 and 2019. “Hey, coke addict. You are never clean, you still need money. I’d like to give you something when you come,” Edwin said to the man. “30 euros for a whole night and taxi fares, isn’t that kind of money to pay?” asked the judge. “No, it wasn’t for sex. That money was to help him, because he wasn’t good at it.”
Tim wrote down his experiences with Edwin in a rehabilitation clinic in South Africa. After his death, his mother read that he “couldn’t get the images of the rapes out of his head” and filed a report.
Eating disorder and hospitalization
The other man (21 at the time), who is now a beautiful young woman, said that she still suffered a lot from the rape of the carnival. He was dragged upstairs from a busy bar and had to perform several sexual acts. Her right to speak made it clear what a difficult path she has taken in recent years, with, for example, an eating disorder and admission to a psychiatric clinic. She has long blamed herself for waiting three years to file a report. “Then maybe the other one was still alive.”
But Edwin vehemently denied that he was responsible for this rape. “The door upstairs was often open during carnival, because people wanted to change clothes there, for example. It must have been someone else. For example, I was dressed very differently than described. Of course it wasn’t me.”
The dead man’s mother took a strong stand against Edwin and hopes the town will close his business permanently. “So that there are no more victims. And I hope more people want to stand up and report Edwin. I think he played a big part in my son’s death.”
The city also wants to close Venise Bar. Edwin is allowed to keep his business open at this time, but a final decision will be made soon as to whether the business can remain open. The town is fed up with everything surrounding Venise Bar, but they are waiting for the verdict in this double rape case first.
The public prosecutor has already moved towards the city, because in addition to a six-year prison sentence, he also asked for an eight-year professional suspension. “The Venise Bar should be a safe place for young people looking for their side or their identity,” he said. “As an owner he abused his position.”
Panic attacks
Edwin was surprised by the strong demand. According to his lawyer, his reputation is already tarnished and if he also receives an eight-year professional ban, he will lose his life. “My life has been turned upside down since my arrest. I suffer from panic attacks and take medication,” he said in his last words. “My good name has been very successful and my bar has far fewer visitors. “
The decision in this case is on December 11.
2024-11-27 11:44:00
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Considering the history of complaints against Venise Bar, what are the ethical and legal implications for establishments that may contribute to, or fail to prevent, environments where harm can occur?
## Interview: Justice, Accountability, and the Legacy of Venise Bar
**Introduction:**
Welcome to today’s discussion on a deeply troubling case involving the owner of Venise Bar in Breda. Edwin van der M. has been sentenced to six years in prison for raping two young people, leaving a trail of pain and controversy in his wake. Joining us today are two experts to unpack the ramifications of this case: [Guest 1 Name and Expertise], and [Guest 2 Name and Expertise].
**Section 1: The Crimes and their Impact**
* **[Guest 1]:** The article paints a harrowing picture of the experiences of the victims. How do you think this case highlights the particular vulnerabilities of young people in spaces like bars and clubs?
* **[Guest 2]:** Edwin van der M. maintains his innocence. While the court has convicted him, what are the challenges of proving sexual assault cases, especially when one victim is no longer alive to testify?
**Section 2: The Role of Venise Bar and the Community**
* **[Guest 2]:** The article mentions a history of complaints about Venise Bar, ranging from sexual misconduct to violating closing hour regulations. What does this suggest about the bar’s environment and the community’s responsibility to address potential dangers?
* **[Guest 1]:** Breda’s authorities are considering permanently closing Venise Bar. Do you think culpability should extend beyond the individual perpetrator to the establishment itself? How can communities better ensure the safety of their residents, particularly in nightlife venues?
**Section 3: Justice, Rehabilitation, and Moving Forward**
* **[Guest 1]:** The public prosecutor seeks an eight-year professional ban for Edwin van der M. What are the arguments for and against such a ban? Can rehabilitation parallel punishment in cases like this?
* **[Guest 2]:** This tragedy has deeply affected the victims’ families and the community. What are the long-term implications of such a case? How can we support survivors of sexual assault and prevent further tragedies?
**Conclusion:**
This case brings to light critical issues surrounding sexual assault, accountability, and community responsibility. Thank you to our guests, [Guest 1 Name] and [Guest 2 Name], for sharing their valuable insights.
We encourage viewers to reflect on the complexities of this case and engage in meaningful conversations about how to foster safer and more inclusive communities.
**Note:** This interview framework is meant to provide a starting point. Feel free to adapt it based on the specific expertise of your guests and the tone you wish to establish.
