A Zambian-American influencer and political vlogger has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for hate speech due to insulting remarks made 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 significant following across various social media platforms and is recognized for her rants about the president over the past two years.
The 42-year-old was arrested at Zambia's main airport three months prior, while visiting for her grandmother's funeral.
Edwards pleaded guilty to the charges in a Lusaka magistrate's court and apologized to the president for her comments. Magistrate Webster Milumbe stated that the court had a duty to issue a strong warning against hate speech, which is on the rise.
Convicted under the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Acts—new laws that took effect this year—Edwards admitted to using a computer system to spread the offensive statements, acknowledged her lack of lawful excuse, and conceded that her words were driven by hatred.
Her lawyer described Edwards as a remorseful first offender and pointed out her contributions as a philanthropist supporting a Zambian girls' football team, which may be adversely affected by her imprisonment. He delivered a public apology on her behalf, expressing deep regret for the negative implications her words may have caused.
Throughout the court proceedings, Edwards maintained a subdued demeanor, contrasting sharply with her bold online persona. While the magistrate acknowledged calls for leniency, he confirmed that her sentence would take effect from the time of her arrest. The case has sparked a divided opinion in Zambia, raising questions about the balance between addressing hate speech and protecting freedom of expression.
Despite the abolition of criminal defamation laws by President Hichilema since taking office in 2021, individuals in Zambia can still face prosecution under various other laws.
