Imane Khelif files case following gender dispute

Imane Khelif, the Algerian female boxer involved in a gender dispute at the Paris Olympics 2024, has filed a legal complaint against the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) for harassment.

According to French newspaper Le Monde, the boxing champion has filed a complaint with the Paris correctional court against an unknown person for online harassment. Khelif’s lawyer, Nabil Boudi, confirmed that the complaint was submitted on Friday.

Boudi stated that she is now fighting for justice, dignity, and honour and that the complaint for “aggravated online harassment” has been sent to Paris prosecutors.

Read this also: Social media rallies behind Imane Khelif as racism over Muslim boxer turns ugly

Khelif said, “The things being said about me on social media are wrong, and I want to change people’s opinions worldwide.”

She won the gold medal in the women’s boxing competition, defeating China’s Yang Liu 0-5 in the final match of the 66 kg category in the Paris Olympics’ women’s boxing final.

Imane made headlines when her first-round opponent, Angela Carini of Italy, refused to fight her after just 46 seconds.

After that, her eligibility to participate in women’s boxing started to be questioned, based on a controversial decision of the International Boxing Association (IBA) last year.

Read this also: IBA declares Angela Carini champion despite defeat against Imane Khelif

Based on unspecified tests, the IBA barred Iman Khalif from participating in women’s boxing last year, saying she did not meet the eligibility criteria as a female athlete. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) supported Imane and declared her eligibility to fight in women’s boxing.

Imane’s father has also confirmed that she is a girl and has grown up with her other siblings.