Remembering ‘the Greatest’, Muhammad Ali

As Muhammad Ali is laid to rest, we remember his legacy both inside and outside the ring. In a special interview we speak to fellow boxer and Muslim, Amir Khan about how Ali has inspired him. In the Reality Check, Mehdi Hasan highlights the man Ali was as a radical, revolutionary and proud black Muslim American.

And in the Headliner, we challenge Rwandan Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo on alleged human rights abuses in the country.

Headliner – Rwanda: Africa’s success story or authoritarian state?

Rwanda has been called Africa’s post-conflict success story. More than two decades after a genocide that resulted in the deaths of at least 800,000 people, the country is seen as an example of economic growth and development.

But in recent years, Rwanda has also come under fire by human rights groups and other governments for alleged extrajudicial killings and crackdowns on the press. And, with President Paul Kagame’s decision, last year, to back a constitutional amendment that would allow him to run for a third term, some say the country has turned into an authoritarian state.

In this week’s Headliner, Mehdi Hasan challenges Rwandan Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo, who denies allegations of human rights abuses.

“Let me put it this way, Rwanda, as any other country that I know of, has its own way of doing things,” Mushikiwabo says.

The foreign minister also comments on the alleged 2014 murder of an exiled Rwandan intelligence officer in South Africa. Mushikiwabo asserts the officer threatened Rwanda.

“Why should I be unhappy about my enemies and people who threaten,” she adds.

Reality Check – Let’s not whitewash Muhammad Ali’s legacy 

Tributes to Muhammad Ali have poured in from presidents, celebrities, and sports stars worldwide. Many from across the political spectrum have lined up to sing his praises.

And while the boxing champion should be celebrated, some have questioned the authenticity of those tributes due to the rise of Islamophobia and racism throughout the world today.

In this week’s Reality Check, Mehdi Hasan remembers Ali, the radical, revolutionary and proud black Muslim, and calls on all those celebrating him to not whitewash his legacy.

Amir Khan on his ‘hero’ Muhammad Ali 

Muhammad Ali is considered a hero by many. Having converted to Islam in 1964, changing his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali, the boxing champion inspired Muslims throughout the world.

In a special interview, Mehdi Hasan speaks to boxer and Muslim Amir Khan, who calls Ali his “hero”.

“He was not only great inside the boxing ring, but even greater outside the boxing ring, because he wanted to be a people’s champion and always spoke what was right,” Khan says.

The former boxing world champion also says Ali inspired him as a Muslim.

“He made me the way I am because I don’t mind talking about my religion, being a Muslim”, Khan tells Mehdi Hasan. “I’m proud to be a Muslim […] in a way I took that leaf out of his book”, he adds. 

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