French prosecutors investigate gender-based cyber harassment of Algerian Olympic champ Imane Khelif

The Paris Prosecutor's Office announced yesterday that it has launched an investigation into a cyber harassment complaint filed by Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif. This follows a barrage of criticism and false accusations about her gender that she faced during the Summer Olympics. The athlete's lawyer, Nabil Boudi, submitted the legal complaint last Friday to the Paris Prosecutor's Office department specifically dedicated to combating online hate speech.

Boudi stated that Khelif became the target of a “misogynistic, racist, and sexist campaign” after winning the gold medal in the women's welterweight division. She became a hero in her home country of Algeria and drew global attention to women's boxing. The Prosecutor's Office said they had received the complaint, and their office for combating crimes against humanity and hate crimes had opened an investigation for “cyber harassment based on gender, public insult based on gender, public incitement to discrimination, and public insult based on origin.”

Khelif was embroiled in a global conflict about gender identity and sports rules after her first match in Paris. Her Italian opponent, Angela Carini, withdrew from the match seconds after it began due to pain from an opening punch. Subsequently, claims that Khelif was transgender or male exploded online. The International Olympic Committee defended her and condemned those spreading false information.

Khelif stated that the misconceptions spread about her “harmed human dignity.” Those who posted critical comments online calling Khelif male included Donald Trump and J.K. Rowling. Tech billionaire Elon Musk retweeted a comment calling Khelif a man. Khelif's legal complaint was filed against "X" rather than specific perpetrators. This is a common practice under French law, where investigators determine which individuals or organizations may be at fault.

The Paris Prosecutor's Office did not name specific suspects. Prior to this, Khelif returned to Algeria and met with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune yesterday. Later this week, she will be welcomed by her family in her hometown of Ain Mesbah. In Algeria, Khelif's former coach, Mustapha Bensaou, stated that the boxer's complaint in France was initiated by Algerian authorities and should “serve as a lesson in defending the rights and honor of Algeria and (athletes) around the world.”

“All those involved will be prosecuted for violating Imane’s dignity and honor,” Bensaou said in an interview with the Associated Press, adding, “The attacks on Imane were aimed at breaking her and undermining her morale. Thank God, she has triumphed.” The investigation is one of several ongoing Olympic-related investigations by the French hate crime unit. The unit is also investigating death threats and cyberbullying against Kirsty Burrows, the head of the IOC's safeguarding and mental health department, after she defended Khelif at a press conference in Paris.

Under French law, if convicted, these offenses carry prison sentences of two to five years and fines ranging from 30,000 to 45,000 euros (approximately AUD$49,800 to $74,800). The unit is also investigating complaints of death threats, harassment, or other abuse against six individuals involved in the Olympic opening ceremony, including the opening ceremony director, Thomas Jolly.