Zambian-American Influencer Sentenced for Hate Speech Against President
A Zambian-American influencer was sentenced to 18 months in prison for hate speech following derogatory remarks directed at Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema. Ethel Chisono Edwards, also known as “One Boss Lady,” made headlines for her critiques over the past two years and was arrested upon arriving in Zambia to attend her grandmother’s funeral.
Why It Matters
This case highlights the ongoing tension between freedom of speech and legal limitations on hate speech in Zambia. The decision to sentence Edwards has sparked debate over the potential impact on political discourse and civil rights within the country, particularly as public sentiment remains divided on the balance between accountability and free expression.
Key Developments
- Edwards was arrested three months ago at Zambia’s main airport.
- She pleaded guilty in a Lusaka magistrate’s court and issued a public apology to President Hichilema and the Zambian people.
- The court cited her remarks as part of a growing trend of hate speech and applied the newly enacted Cyber Security Act and Cyber Crimes Act.
- Edwards will serve her sentence from the date of her arrest, while her lawyer has not yet confirmed if an appeal will be filed.
- The case has polarized opinions among Zambians, prompting discussions on the limits of free speech.
Full Report
Legal Proceedings
Ethel Chisono Edwards, 42, admitted to making harmful comments about President Hakainde Hichilema on her social media platforms. The magistrate, Webster Milumbe, emphasized the court’s responsibility to combat increasing hate speech. Edwards expressed remorse during her court appearances, in sharp contrast to her more boisterous online presence. Her lawyer, Joseph Katati, described her as a first-time offender and a philanthropist, underscoring the negative consequences that her imprisonment could have on the community, particularly highlighting her sponsorship of a girls’ football team in Zambia.
Public Reaction
The sentencing has ignited controversy, with some citizens supporting the legal action as necessary for maintaining decorum, while others argue it infringes upon freedom of expression. President Hichilema, who took office in 2021, has already abolished laws that criminalized defamation against the presidency, yet individuals can still face prosecution under alternative statutes. Edwards’s case raises significant questions regarding the boundaries of acceptable political commentary in Zambia’s evolving legal landscape.
Context & Previous Events
In September, two individuals were sentenced to two years in prison for allegedly plotting to use witchcraft against President Hichilema, illustrating the serious nature of political tensions in the country. The recent legal changes aimed at addressing defamation highlight a shifting approach to political dissent, but cases like Edwards’s indicate that challenges regarding speech freedom persist.
