French prosecutors have launched an investigation into an online harassment complaint filed by Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif. The complaint was made after Khelif faced a barrage of criticism and false claims regarding her sex during the Summer Games, according to the Paris prosecutor's office.
Khelif's lawyer filed a legal complaint with a special unit in the Paris prosecutor’s office that focuses on combating online hate speech. The boxer was reportedly subjected to a “misogynist, racist, and sexist campaign” following her gold medal win in the women’s welterweight division, which garnered her praise in Algeria and global recognition for women’s boxing.
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that it had received the complaint and initiated an investigation into charges of cyber harassment based on gender, public insults based on gender, public incitement to discrimination, and public insults based on origin.
Khelif found herself at the center of a controversy over gender identity and sports regulations after her opponent withdrew from a match in Paris, leading to false claims online that she was transgender or male. The International Olympic Committee defended Khelif and condemned the spread of misinformation about her.
Notable figures such as Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and J.K. Rowling were among those who shared false information about the athlete. Khelif's legal complaint was directed at social media platforms rather than specific individuals, in accordance with French law.
Following the incident, Khelif returned to Algeria, where she is scheduled to meet with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and reunite with her family in Ain Mesbah. Her former coach emphasized that the complaint filed in France was initiated by Algerian authorities and should serve as a lesson in protecting the rights and dignity of athletes worldwide.
He expressed confidence that those responsible for attacking Khelif's dignity would be held accountable, noting that the attacks were aimed at undermining her morale but ultimately failed to deter her success.
Khelif's case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by athletes in combating online harassment and misinformation, underscoring the importance of upholding respect and dignity in sports.
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