Algerian boxer Imane Khelif receives a star-studded welcome in Tiaret

Tiaret, 17 August (askanews) – Thousands of Algerians have taken to the streets of Tiaret to welcome Imane Khelif, the Algerian Olympic boxing champion, who was given a heroine’s welcome in her hometown on her return from the Paris Games where she won gold in the women’s 66kg final after being embroiled in a controversy over her gender eligibility. France has launched an investigation into cyberbullying after her complaint. The athlete’s lawyer, Nabil Boudi, said Khelif, 25, had filed a complaint for online harassment, calling it a “fight for justice”. “We will determine who is behind this misogynistic, racist and sexist campaign, but we will also have to deal with those who fueled the online lynching,” he said. The Central Office for the Fight against Crimes against Humanity and Hate Crimes has been assigned to the investigation. According to the American magazine Variety, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and Harry Potter author JK Rowling have been named in the complaint, as well as former US President Trump, the Republican Party’s candidate for the 2024 presidential elections, who is also part of the investigation, according to Variety, which cites the lawyer. The issue at the Olympics has prompted comments and interventions from politicians and celebrities. “It was a warm welcome that I received today at my home,” said Imane Khelif. “Here I feel at home, all the places are familiar to me. With the grace of God, I will be able to connect with the people of Tiaret with whom I grew up and studied during my childhood. I greet them all,” adding that the President of the Republic also congratulated her.