The case against Belgian former football player and commentator Eddy Snelders was filed before the correctional court in Antwerp on Tuesday. The case is set to be heard on 26 May.
The 65-year-old is on trial for exhibitionism, voyeurism, public indecency, possession of images of child sexual abuse and the sexual assault of three women, including his then stepdaughter who was a minor at the time.
The case began in late 2023, when a neighbour filed a complaint against Snelders for exhibitionism. The investigation further led into the discovery of footage allegedly taken by Snelders. This included women being filmed on the toilet, in the shower and in changing rooms at a swimming pool.
Snelders has previously denied the possession of child pornography and sexual assault. However, he has not disputed the accusations of voyeurism and exhibitionism.
The former footballer was not present in court on Tuesday. He was represented by his lawyer.
The trial against Snelders will currently still be public. There was no request from the defence for a hearing behind closed doors.
"My client wants to take maximum responsibility and that is why we want a public hearing. It might be a reason for others to seek help earlier. He was always too embarrassed to do so," lawyer Sanne De Clerck said on behalf of Snelders.
There have also been no calls for a hearing behind closed doors from the civil parties, three of whom were present in person. "We are not in favour of that," said lawyer Steven Van Geert, acting for Bé De Meyer, Snelders' now ex-wife. Lawyer Manon Cop, who is assisting Snelders' ex-stepdaughter, among others, is still going to discuss this with her clients.
A hearing behind closed doors may still be requested at the start of the trial on 26 May.
