Controversial Olympic champion Imane Khelif filed suit in Paris for online harassment
Photo: AP
Controversies are an integral part of major sporting events and the Olympic Games in Paris has seen plenty of it. The French capital has witnessed a great spectacle in recent weeks as the Olympic Games finally came to an end.
Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif filed an official complaint in Paris for online harassment. Khelif faced controversy over her gender during her fight against Italian Angela Carini.
Despite all the accusations and counter-accusations, Khelif fought her way to the top and won gold in the women’s welterweight division. As AP reported, the Algerian boxer filed a complaint with a prosecutor in Paris, alleging “serious cyber harassment” against the boxer, said her lawyer Nabil Boudi.
Khelif issued a statement calling it a “misogynistic, racist and sexist campaign” against her. France has fairly strict laws against online harassment and if proven guilty, perpetrators face prison sentences of two to five years as well as a hefty fine.
Khelif did not name any names in her complaint. It is now up to prosecutors whether to launch an investigation and identify those responsible. Kirsty Burrows, an official in the IOC’s Protection and Mental Health Department, also filed a complaint with French authorities. She said she received death threats and was harassed online after speaking out in support of Khelif at a press conference.
The Algerian had previously called for bullying to stop because it can have long-term effects on people’s psyche. Speaking to SNTV, she said: “I am sending a message to all people in the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter and to refrain from bullying athletes because that has an impact, a massive impact.”
“It can destroy people, it can destroy people’s thoughts, spirits and minds. It can divide people. And that’s why I ask you to refrain from bullying.”
