Lusaka – Zambian-American influencer and political vlogger Ethel Chisono Edwards has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for making insulting remarks about Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema.
The 42-year-old, who also holds US citizenship, was arrested at Lusaka’s main airport three months ago upon arriving to attend her grandmother’s funeral. Edwards, known as “One Boss Lady” to her large social media following, had spent the last two years posting rants about President Hichilema.
At her trial in Lusaka, Edwards pleaded guilty to charges under Zambia’s Cyber Security Act and Cyber Crimes Act, both of which were introduced earlier this year. She admitted using a computer system to publish offensive statements, expressing hatred toward the president, and acknowledged that there was no lawful excuse for her actions.
Edwards, who has been in custody since her arrest, also issued a public apology to President Hichilema, his family, and the nation. She expressed regret for the negative impact her words may have caused, describing herself as a remorseful first-time offender.
Her lawyer, Joseph Katati, described Edwards as a philanthropist and breadwinner, highlighting her sponsorship of a Zambian girls’ football team that would suffer from her imprisonment. Despite her remorse, Magistrate Webster Milumbe stressed that the court had a responsibility to send a strong message against growing hate speech in the country.
Edwards’ case has sparked mixed reactions in Zambia. While some support the sentence, viewing it as necessary to curb online hate, others believe it infringes on freedom of speech. Despite the ruling, President Hichilema has abolished criminal defamation laws against the head of state. However, Zambians continue to face legal action under other laws related to speech and cybercrime.
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