Controversial Algerian boxer Imane Khelif Complaints They are calling on authorities to investigate online harassment related to the gender and image of fighters.
Kherif made headlines after Italy’s Angela Carini withdrew from her opening match of the 2024 Olympics, citing safety concerns given the overwhelming superiority of her opponent. Kherif and the International Olympic Committee were criticized on social media for being approved to compete despite failing a gender test and being barred from competing in other sports.
“People are plotting against Algeria.”
Kherif’s lawyer, Nabil Boudi, has filed a harassment complaint with the Paris prosecutor’s online hate unit. The New York Times reported that it is unclear where the complaint will go or how the prosecutor’s office will handle the case.
“This unjust harassment of a boxing champion will remain a blemish on these Olympic Games,” Boudy said, adding that the harassment was part of a “misogynistic, racist and sexist campaign”.
Khelif’s defenders say the fighter was assigned female at birth and has always identified as a woman.
Despite the criticism, Kherif was allowed to compete and defeated China’s Yang Liu on Friday to win the women’s boxing gold medal for Algeria.
Kherif has previously claimed the online harassment was a conspiracy against Algeria.
“People are plotting against Algeria so that the Algerian flag is not raised and so that Algeria does not win the gold medal,” the fighter said.
Former Olympian and current Spanish boxing coach Rafael Lozano said he witnessed Kherif injuring many women while training at a Madrid boxing center and that when facing men, Kherif seemed more evenly matched.
“From my perspective, I don’t think that’s fair,” he said.
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