Zambian-American Influencer Sentenced to 18 Months for Hate Speech Against President
LUSAKA – A Zambian-American social media influencer has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment with hard labour for hate speech directed at President Hakainde Hichilema. The case has sparked a fierce national debate over freedom of expression and the application of the country’s cybersecurity laws.
Ethel Chisono Edwards, 42, was arrested three months ago upon arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka. She had flown in from the United States to attend her grandmother’s funeral.
Appearing before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court, Edwards pleaded guilty to the charge. She admitted that her online remarks about the president were driven by hatred and issued a public apology to President Hichilema.
In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Sanford Ngobola stated the penalty was intended to deter the growing trend of hate speech and online abuse in Zambia. The conviction was secured under the country’s relatively new Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act of 2021.
The ruling has divided public opinion. Some citizens and legal observers argue the sentence is a necessary and proportionate measure to combat toxic discourse and protect individuals from targeted hatred. Others, however, view it as a severe threat to free speech and dissent, expressing concern over the potential chilling effect on political commentary.
This case presents a legal paradox for many. In 2021, President Hichilema, upon taking office, fulfilled a campaign promise by abolishing criminal defamation laws—a move widely praised by press freedom advocates. However, prosecutions for statements deemed harmful can still proceed under other statutes, including the cybersecurity act used in this instance.
The incident is the latest in a series of high-profile cases involving alleged threats to the president. In September of this year, two men were jailed for attempting to use witchcraft in an alleged plot to kill President Hichilema.
As Edwards begins her sentence, the debate continues over where the line should be drawn between criminal hate speech and protected political criticism in Zambia’s digital age.
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