Zambian-American influencer Ethel Chisono Edwards sentenced to 18 months in prison for hate speech

A Zambian-American influencer and political vlogger has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for posting hate speech insulting Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema.

Zambian-born Ethel Chisono Edwards, a U.S. citizen who works as a real estate agent in New York, has a large following on various social media accounts. Known as “a boss lady,” she has become known for her rants against the president over the past 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 at a magistrate’s court in the capital, Lusaka, and apologized to the president for her remarks.

But District Judge Webster Milombe said the court had a duty to issue a strong warning, noting that hate speech had become increasingly common.

Edwards, who has been in police custody since her arrest, was convicted under the Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Act, new legislation that came into effect this year.

She admitted using a computer system to post offensive comments, admitted she had no legal excuse and admitted her comments were motivated by hate.

Her attorney, Joseph Katati, called Edwards a remorseful and potential first-time offender.

He went on to detail how she became a breadwinner and philanthropist, sponsoring the Zambian women’s football team, which suffered as a result of her imprisonment.

He also issued a detailed public apology on her behalf.

“I would like to apologize unreservedly to President Hakamde Hichilema, his family and the nation of Zambia for the statements I made against the President and the negative impact they may have had on the President, his family and the country as a whole,” the statement said.

Edwards appeared low-key throughout her court appearance, a stark contrast to her online persona.

Magistrates granted Mr Carty’s plea for a reduced sentence and said Edwards’ sentence would take effect from the time of her arrest.

Mr Carty said he had not yet received instructions from his client on whether to appeal the verdict.

The influencer’s jailing has divided opinions in Zambia, with some saying it is necessary and others saying it infringes on freedom of expression.

Hichilema, who took office in 2021, repealed criminal defamation laws against the president, but Zambians still face prosecution under other laws.

In September, two men were sentenced to two years in prison for attempting to use witchcraft to kill President Hichilema.