French Prosecutors Launch Investigation into Online Harassment of Olympic Boxer Imane Khelif

Background

Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif has been the target of a barrage of criticism and false claims about her gender during the Olympics, leading French prosecutors to open an investigation into a complaint of online harassment.

The athlete’s lawyer, Nabil Boudi, filed a complaint on Friday with the special unit of the Paris prosecutor’s office responsible for combating hate speech on the Internet.

The Investigation

The prosecutor’s office said it had received the complaint and its office for combating crimes against humanity and hate crimes had opened an investigation into gender-based cyberbullying, gender-based public insults, public incitement to discrimination, and public insults based on origin.

The Controversy

Imane Khelif found herself at the heart of a controversy over sexual identity and the regulation of the sport after her first fight in Paris, when her Italian opponent Angela Carini withdrew a few seconds into the fight, citing pain caused by the first punches.

False claims that Imane Khelif was transgender or a man have erupted online, and the International Olympic Committee has defended her and denounced those spreading misinformation. Imane Khelif has said that spreading misconceptions about her undermines human dignity.

The Suspects

Imane Khelif’s complaint was filed against social media platforms, including X, rather than against a specific perpetrator, a common formulation in French law that leaves it up to investigators to determine the person or organization that may have committed the wrongdoing.

The Paris prosecutor’s office has not named any specific suspects.

Conclusion

The case highlights the need for online platforms to take action against hate speech and harassment, and for individuals to be aware of the impact of their words on others. It also underscores the importance of respecting individuals’ privacy and dignity, regardless of their gender or sexual identity.

FAQs

Q: Who filed the complaint?

A: Imane Khelif’s lawyer, Nabil Boudi, filed the complaint on Friday.

Q: What is the focus of the investigation?

A: The investigation is focused on gender-based cyberbullying, gender-based public insults, public incitement to discrimination, and public insults based on origin.

Q: Who are the suspects?

A: The Paris prosecutor’s office has not named any specific suspects.

Q: What is the next step in the investigation?

A: The investigators will determine the person or organization that may have committed the wrongdoing and take appropriate action.