In a significant development, Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif has taken legal action against online harassment following a wave of criticism and false allegations regarding her sex during the Paris Olympics. Khelif, who claimed the gold medal in the women's welterweight division and will be Algeria's flag bearer in the closing ceremony, has become a national hero in her home country while also bringing global attention to women's boxing.

According to her lawyer, Nabil Boudi, a complaint was lodged on Friday with a specialized unit in the Paris prosecutor's office, tasked with combating online hate speech. The complaint, citing "aggravated cyber-harassment," highlights the relentless misogynistic, racist, and sexist campaign that targeted Khelif.

As per French law, the complaint does not identify a specific perpetrator, leaving it up to investigators to determine responsibility. Prosecutors will now decide whether to open a formal investigation into the matter.

Khelif found herself unwittingly caught in a global debate surrounding gender identity and regulation in sports. In her first fight, Khelif's opponent, Angela Carini of Italy, withdrew from the match citing pain from opening punches. False claims quickly spread across online platforms suggesting that Khelif was either transgender or a man. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) promptly provided support and condemned those spreading falsehoods, asserting that Khelif's human dignity was being harmed by the dissemination of misconceptions.

Furthermore, Kirsty Burrows, an official responsible for the IOC's unit for safeguarding and mental health, has also filed a complaint with French authorities. She reported receiving death threats and experiencing online harassment following a press conference in Paris where she had defended Khelif.

The Paris prosecutor's office acknowledges Burrows' complaint, confirming that the National Unit for the Fight against Online Hate is currently investigating the alleged offenses, including death threats, public provocations, and cyberbullying. If proven, these crimes could lead to prison sentences ranging from two to five years, along with substantial fines ranging from 30,000 to 45,000 euros, in accordance with French law.

Moreover, it is important to note that the International Boxing Association disqualified Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting from the world championships last year, claiming they failed unspecified eligibility tests for women's competition. The IOC has strongly criticized these arbitrary sex tests, deeming them inherently flawed, and has fervently supported both Khelif and Lin throughout the Paris Games.

Experts argue that the scrutiny faced by Khelif and Lin signifies the disproportionate scrutiny and discrimination faced by female athletes of color, especially when it comes to sex testing and false accusations suggesting their gender identity.

This legal complaint filed by Imane Khelif not only seeks justice for herself but also sends a powerful message against online harassment and the harmful impact it can have on an individual's well-being and dignity. It highlights the need for stricter measures to combat cyber-harassment and protect athletes from baseless claims that only serve to undermine their achievements.