Boxer Imane Khelif files official complaint with Paris prosecutors following online harassment and abuse after winning gold at 2024 Olympics.
Imane Khelif, a rising star in the world of sports, has recently made headlines after winning a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Her victory was a moment of pride for her and her supporters.
However, following her achievement, Khelif submitted a formal complaint to Paris prosecutors.
This decision comes in the wake of the intense criticism and online harassment she faced following her dominant performance in the competition.
Imane Khelif submits formal complaint with Paris prosecutors after gold medal victory at 2024 Olympics
Khelif’s victory in the Olympics was overshadowed by controversy.
It was revealed that she had failed a gender test at the World Championships in 2023.
This prompted accusations from her opponent, Italian boxer Angela Carini, that Khelif was not a biological woman.
Carini stated that the flurry of punches she received from Khelif “hurt too much” and that she had to prioritize her health and withdraw from the match.
The online backlash that Khelif faced was swift and relentless, with many questioning her eligibility to compete in the women’s division.
However, the Algerian team and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) both issued statements defending Khelif’s inclusion.
They affirmed that she has always identified as a woman and was born as such.
Despite the controversy, Khelif kept winning her matches. She dominated her opponents and secured the gold medal for her country.
Instead of enjoying her victory, she has decided to take legal action.
Khelif is addressing the online harassment and misogynistic campaign she faced.
In a press release, Khelif’s lawyer, Nabil Boudi, stated that the boxer has filed a formal complaint with the Paris prosecutors, citing “aggravated online harassment.”
Boudi explained that the investigation will seek to identify those responsible for the “misogynist, racist, and sexist campaign” against Khelif.
It will also focus on those who encouraged the “online lynching.”
Khelif herself has spoken out about the emotional toll the criticism took on her, stating in an interview that the bullying can “destroy people” and “divide people.”
She appealed to the public to uphold the principles of the Olympic Charter and refrain from such behavior, as it can have “massive effects” on athletes.
Khelif’s victory in the Olympics was overshadowed by controversy.
It was revealed that she had failed a gender test at the World Championships in 2023.
This prompted accusations from her opponent, Italian boxer Angela Carini, that Khelif was not a biological woman.
Carini stated that the flurry of punches she received from Khelif “hurt too much” and that she had to prioritize her health and withdraw from the match.
The online backlash that Khelif faced was swift and relentless, with many questioning her eligibility to compete in the women’s division.
IOC emphasized that Imane Khelif is a woman
However, the Algerian team and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) both issued statements defending Khelif’s inclusion.
They affirmed that she has always identified as a woman and was born as such.
“The boxer Imane Khelif has decided to begin a new fight, a fight for justice, dignity and honour”.
“I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter,” Khelif said
She urged everyone to refrain from bullying athletes, as it can have massive effects.
“It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit, and mind. It can divide people. And because of that, I ask them to refrain from bullying,” Khelif added.