August 14th 2024.
According to the Paris prosecutor's office, an investigation has been launched into a complaint of online harassment made by Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif. This comes after she faced a barrage of criticism and false allegations about her gender during the Summer Games. Khelif's lawyer, Nabil Boudi, took action by filing a legal complaint with a special unit in the Paris prosecutor's office that deals with online hate speech.
Boudi explained that the champion was subjected to a "misogynistic, racist, and sexist campaign" while she was winning the gold medal in the women's welterweight division. Her victory not only made her a hero in her home country of Algeria, but also brought global attention to women's boxing. However, amidst the celebration, Khelif became the target of hateful and false claims about her gender, which spread rapidly online.
The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that they have received the complaint and have launched an investigation into the matter. The Office for the Fight against Crimes against Humanity and Hate Crime is looking into charges of "cyber harassment based on gender, public insults based on gender, public incitement to discrimination, and public insults based on origin." Khelif's lawyer is determined to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
The controversy surrounding Khelif's gender identity and the rules in sports was sparked after her first fight in Paris, when her opponent Angela Carini withdrew from the match, citing pain from punches. This led to false claims that Khelif was transgender or a man, which were quickly denounced by the International Olympic Committee. Khelif herself has spoken out about the harm caused by the spread of misinformation about her.
Even public figures such as Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and JK Rowling were among those who shared false information about Khelif. The champion's legal complaint was filed against social media platforms, including X, rather than a specific individual, as per French law. This leaves it up to the investigators to determine who may be responsible for the harassment.
This development comes just two days after Khelif returned to her home country of Algeria. She is expected to meet with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and be welcomed by her family in her hometown of Ain Mesbah. Her former coach, Mustapha Bensaou, stated that the complaint filed in France was initiated by the Algerian authorities and should serve as a lesson in defending the rights and honor of individuals not just in Algeria, but around the world.
Bensaou also expressed his belief that those who have attacked and spread false information about Khelif will be prosecuted for violating her dignity and honor. He further added that the attacks were designed to break her spirit, but Khelif emerged victorious.
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