A Zambian-American influencer and political vlogger has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for hate speech for making insulting remarks about Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema.
Zambian-born Ethel Chisono Edwards, who also holds US citizenship and works as an estate agent in New York, has a large following across various social media accounts. Known as 'One Boss Lady', she has become renowned for her rants about the president over the last two years.
The 42-year-old was arrested at Zambia's main airport three months ago after arriving to attend her grandmother's funeral. She pleaded guilty in a magistrate's court in the capital, Lusaka, and apologised to the president for her comments.
Magistrate Webster Milumbe stated that the court had a responsibility to send a strong warning, noting the rise of hate speech. Edwards was convicted under the Cyber Security Act and the Cyber Crimes Act. Her lawyer described her as a remorseful first offender and a philanthropist who supports a local girls’ football team.
The case has stirred debate in Zambia, with opinions divided between the need for accountability for hate speech and the importance of protecting freedom of expression.
Zambian-born Ethel Chisono Edwards, who also holds US citizenship and works as an estate agent in New York, has a large following across various social media accounts. Known as 'One Boss Lady', she has become renowned for her rants about the president over the last two years.
The 42-year-old was arrested at Zambia's main airport three months ago after arriving to attend her grandmother's funeral. She pleaded guilty in a magistrate's court in the capital, Lusaka, and apologised to the president for her comments.
Magistrate Webster Milumbe stated that the court had a responsibility to send a strong warning, noting the rise of hate speech. Edwards was convicted under the Cyber Security Act and the Cyber Crimes Act. Her lawyer described her as a remorseful first offender and a philanthropist who supports a local girls’ football team.
The case has stirred debate in Zambia, with opinions divided between the need for accountability for hate speech and the importance of protecting freedom of expression.
