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Recent Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif has reached her breaking point and filed a complaint in for cyber-harassment.
The athlete, who won gold in the -66 kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, has faced relentless online criticism and harassment regarding her gender.
Her lawyer confirmed the filing of the complaint on Sunday, August 11.
Khelif's victory marred by online abuse
Khelif's triumph on August 9 made her a national sports icon, but it also led to an outpouring of hateful messages targeting her gender.
The complaint was submitted to a specialized group within the Paris prosecutor's office, dedicated to combating hate speech and cyber-harassment.
Khelif's lawyer, Nabil Boudi, stated that they took this legal step to address the ongoing "cyber-harassment."
Boudi shared a statement on social media, expressing that Khelif has embarked on a new fight-one for justice, dignity, and honor.
The complaint, filed with the Paris Office, accuses the perpetrators of aggravated cyber-bullying.
Boudi emphasized that this investigation will not only identify those who initiated the misogynistic, racist, and sexist campaign but also those who fueled it.
He concluded by stating that the harassment Khelif endured will be ed as "the biggest stain on these Olympic Games."
What is the next legal step?
The next phase involves waiting for the public prosecutor's office to address the complaint.
Under French law, the complaint does not name specific individuals but instead tasks investigators with identifying the culprits.
The resolution of this case may take time, but it could help clear Khelif's name and counter the damaging comments that have circulated during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Among those who commented on Khelif's gender were notable figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, who suggested Khelif was either a man or transgender.
These remarks, coming after the conclusion of the competition, have intensified the controversy and highlight the need for ability.
The controversy surrounding Khelif began with her Olympic debut when she defeated Italy's Angela Carini in just 46 seconds, leaving her opponent in tears.
The scrutiny only increased as Khelif advanced, ultimately culminating in her gold medal victory against China's Yang Liu.
Despite her success, the harassment she faced underscores the challenges athletes can encounter off the field, especially if they have something slightly different about their genetic makeup.