August 14, (THEWILL) – French prosecutors have opened an investigation into online harassment claims made by Algerian boxer, Imane Khelif, following her gold medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The complaint, filed on Monday, alleges cyberbullying and discrimination based on gender and origin. The Central Office for Combating Crimes against Humanity and Hate Crimes (OCLCH) is handling the investigation.
Khelif’s lawyer, Nabil Boudi, described the harassment as “misogynistic, racist and sexist” in a statement on social media. Khelif faced criticism online during the Games, particularly after her first bout ended quickly when her opponent quit due to injury.
The International Olympic Committee has repeatedly confirmed Khelif’s eligibility to compete in women’s events, despite a previous disqualification by the International Boxing Association.
The controversy stems from complex issues surrounding inclusion and fairness in women’s sports. Many online comments about Khelif contained incorrect information, according to her legal team.
Under French law, prosecutors will determine who may be at fault in this case. The OCLCH has stated it cannot share details of the complaint due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
