Turnhout, Belgium – Former Belgian football commentator Eddy Snelders was reportedly attacked during a walk in the prison yard at the Turnhout facility on Saturday, just days after beginning an 18-month sentence. The incident, confirmed by both the prison administration and multiple news outlets, has raised concerns about Snelders’ safety within the correctional system.
Snelders, 66, began his sentence last week after a court of appeal upheld a five-year conviction, with 42 months suspended, related to a disturbing case of voyeurism, exhibitionism, and assault. The conviction stemmed from years of secretly filming family, friends, and acquaintances with hidden cameras in his home, business, and a chalet in the Ardennes. Investigations revealed images of 73 different victims, 58 of whom were identified.
According to reports from VRT News and HLN, Snelders was struck in the head during the incident. Prison officials intervened quickly, bringing him to safety and providing medical attention. He has since been transferred to a different wing within the prison for his protection.
“There was indeed an incident,” a spokesperson for the prison administration stated, confirming the attack. The prison has launched an investigation to determine the identity of the assailant and the circumstances surrounding the assault. The advocate for Snelders has declined to comment on the matter.
The details of the attack remain limited. Reports indicate Snelders was able to reach the prison courtyard door after being struck, where he was met by penitentiary officers. The nature of the assault and the motive behind it are currently unknown.
This incident occurs shortly after Snelders voluntarily surrendered to authorities on Wednesday, March 26th, to initiate serving his sentence. He had previously decided not to appeal the court’s decision further. He was initially placed under a standard prison regime, and it remains unclear if his status will change following the attack.
The case against Snelders garnered significant attention in Belgium, not only due to his public profile as a well-known football commentator but also due to the extensive and disturbing nature of the offenses. Beyond the voyeurism, the court found evidence of physical contact with victims, leading to the imposition of a custodial sentence.
The conviction and subsequent imprisonment mark a dramatic fall from grace for Snelders, who enjoyed a long and successful career in sports broadcasting. He was a familiar voice to football fans across Belgium for decades, providing commentary on both domestic and international matches.
The prison administration has not released any further details regarding the investigation or Snelders’ current condition, citing security concerns. However, they have assured that they are taking the matter seriously and are committed to ensuring the safety of all inmates.
This is a developing story, and Archysport will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. The next step in the investigation is expected to be identifying the perpetrator and determining the appropriate disciplinary action. The focus now shifts to ensuring Snelders’ well-being and maintaining security within the Turnhout prison.
For those following the case, further updates will be provided by Belgian authorities and reported by local news outlets such as VRT News and HLN. The incident raises broader questions about safety within the Belgian prison system and the challenges of managing high-profile inmates.
