Imane Khelif, the Algerian Olympic boxing champion who recently clinched gold in the women’s welterweight division at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has filed a legal complaint in France against online harassment. The petition, submitted on Friday, accuses her detractors of a targeted campaign involving false claims and derogatory comments about her gender, according to her lawyer, Nabil Boudi.
The complaint, lodged with the Paris prosecutor’s special unit dedicated to combating online hate speech, alleges “aggravated cyber-harassment” directed at Khelif. Boudi described the situation as a “misogynist, racist, and sexist campaign” against the 25-year-old athlete, who has become a national hero in Algeria for her historic achievement.
“Following her victory at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Ms. Khelif has embarked on a new fight – one for justice, dignity, and honor,” Boudi stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the harassment that has marred her Olympic success.
Khelif’s victory, secured with a unanimous decision against China’s Yang Liu, was met with overwhelming celebration, with her trainer lifting her triumphantly onto his shoulders. However, her success has also attracted intense scrutiny, particularly in light of past controversies surrounding her eligibility due to concerns over elevated testosterone levels.
Boudi has called for a criminal investigation to identify those responsible for the “unjust harassment,” which he described as the “biggest stain” on the Paris 2024 Olympics.
This is not the first time Khelif has faced challenges related to her gender. Last year, she and a Taiwanese boxer were banned from the world championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) after failing gender eligibility tests. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) later criticized the IBA’s decision as “sudden and arbitrary,” citing significant flaws in the testing process. Despite the controversy, Khelif has remained steadfast, declaring that her gold medal victory is the “best response” to her critics.
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