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French prosecutors are investigating gender-based cyber harassment targeting Algerian Olympic champion Imane Khelif.
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    French prosecutors are investigating gender-based cyber harassment targeting Algerian Olympic champion Imane Khelif.

    PARIS — French prosecutors opened an investigation into an online harassment complaint made by Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif after a rain of criticism and false claims about her sex during the Summer Games, the Paris prosecutor’s office said Monday.

    The athlete’s lawyer Nabil Boudi filed a legal complaint with a special unit in the Paris prosecutor’s office that combats online hate speech on Friday.

    Boudi said that the boxer was targeted by a “misogynist, racist and sexist campaign” as she won gold in the women’s welterweight division, becoming a hero in her native Algeria and bringing global attention to women’s boxing.

    The prosecutor’s office said it had received the complaint and its Office for the Fight against Crimes against Humanity and Hate Crime had opened an investigation on charges of “cyber harassment based on gender, public insults based on gender, public incitement to discrimination and public insults on the basis of origin.”

    Khelif was unwillingly thrust into a worldwide clash over gender identity and regulation in sports after her first fight in Paris, when Italian opponent Angela Carini pulled out just seconds into the match, citing pain from opening punches.

    False claims that Khelif was transgender or a man erupted online, and the International Olympic Committee defended her and denounced those peddling misinformation. Khelif said that the spread of misconceptions about her “harms human dignity.”

    Among those who posted misinformation about the athlete were Donald Trump, Elon Musk and J. K. Rowling.

    Khelif’s legal complaint was filed against social media platforms, including “X,” instead of a specific perpetrator, a common formulation under French law that leaves it up to investigators to determine which person or organization that may have been at fault.

    The Paris prosecutor’s office didn’t name specific suspects.

    The development came two days after Khelif returned to Algeria, where she’s expected to meet with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and be welcomed by family in her hometown of Ain Mesbah.

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    Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif calls for end to bullying

    French prosecutors have launched an investigation into a disturbing case of gender-based cyber harassment targeting Algerian Olympic champion Imane Khelif. The 27-year-old athlete, who won a gold medal in the 1500m race at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, has been subjected to a relentless campaign of online abuse and threats.

    Khelif, who is known for her incredible speed and determination on the track, has become a target of vicious attacks on social media platforms. The harassment has included sexist and racist comments, as well as threats of violence against her and her family. The abuse has taken a toll on Khelif’s mental health and well-being, leaving her feeling scared and vulnerable.

    In response to the harassment, French prosecutors have opened an investigation into the matter. They are working to identify the individuals responsible for the cyber attacks and bring them to justice. Gender-based cyber harassment is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences for its victims, both emotionally and psychologically.

    Khelif’s case highlights the pervasive issue of online abuse and harassment faced by women in sports. Female athletes are often targeted with sexist and misogynistic comments, as well as threats of violence, simply for excelling in their chosen field. This kind of behavior is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms.

    As fans and supporters of Imane Khelif, it is important for us to stand up against gender-based cyber harassment and show our solidarity with her. We must use our voices to speak out against online abuse and create a safer and more inclusive environment for all athletes, regardless of their gender.

    In the meantime, we can only hope that the French prosecutors are able to swiftly identify and prosecute those responsible for targeting Imane Khelif with cyber harassment. It is crucial that we send a clear message that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated and that those who engage in it will face consequences for their actions.