Imane Khelif files official complaint after winning gold medal at Paris Olympics
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has filed a legal complaint for online harassment after winning gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, her lawyer has announced
Following her gold medal triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has launched a legal battle against online harassment, as confirmed by her lawyer on Saturday.
Nabil Boudi said in a press release: "The boxer Imane Khelif has decided to begin a new fight, a fight for justice, dignity and honour". He further stated that Khelif has lodged a formal complaint with Paris prosecutors, asserting "aggravated online harassment".
Boudi elaborated on his client's aim with the lawsuit, stating: "The investigation will determine who was behind this misogynist, racist and sexist campaign, but will also have to concern itself with those who fed the online lynching."
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Khelif clinched a convincing victory through a unanimous decision over China's Yang Liu in the women's welterweight final on Friday. She had faced considerable backlash before the fight, particularly after failing a gender test at the 2023 Women's World Championships.
Criticism increased against Khelif after her contentious victory over Italian boxer Angela Carini, who ended their bout just 46 seconds in, declaring "this is unjust" while leaving the ring in tears. Carini, conceding defeat without acknowledging Khelif post-fight - an action she later regretted - told journalists that the punches from the Algerian were among the toughest she'd ever encountered.
The sporting world has erupted with controversy as hundreds took to social media to express their outrage over the participation of boxer Khelif in the Paris Games, with high-profile figures like Elon Musk, JK Rowling, and Donald Trump leading the charge against her competing in the women's category.
In the wake of her victory over Carini and amidst a storm of criticism and threats, Khelif stood up for herself, stating that such negative attention "harms human dignity," and called for more respectful treatment of athletes.
"I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes, because this has effects, massive effects," Khelif said during an interview with SNTV, speaking in Arabic.
"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."
Echoing Khelif's call for respect, Boudi on Saturday condemned the "iniquitous harassment" faced by Khelif in Paris, branding it as "the biggest stain on these Olympic Games".
Despite the tumultuous backdrop, Khelif remained undeterred in her quest for Olympic glory, dispatching opponents Luca Anna Hamori of Hungary and Thailand's Janjaem Suwannapheng with ease, earning her place in the final bout for the gold medal against Liu.
After her triumph in the quarter-finals, she boldly claimed: "I don't care what anyone is saying about me with the controversy. All that is important to me is that I stay on the level and give my people the performance they deserve. I know I'm a talented person and this is a gift to all Algerians."
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