A 42-year-old Zambian-born US citizen Ethel Chisono Edwards, an estate agent in New York, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after being convicted of hate speech for insulting Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema.
Ethel, widely known online as “One Boss Lady,” was arrested at Lusaka’s main airport three months ago while attending her grandmother’s funeral.
According to BBC, she has gained a significant following over the past two years for her outspoken commentary about the president.
In a magistrate’s court, Edwards pleaded guilty and apologised to the president.
Her lawyer, Joseph Katati, described her as “a remorseful first offender with potential” and emphasised her philanthropic work, including sponsoring a Zambian girls’ football team that could be affected by her imprisonment.
A public apology read on her behalf stated: “I want to unreservedly apologise to the president, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, his family, and the nation of Zambia for the words that I uttered against the president and for the negative effects that those words may have caused to the president, his family, and the nation at large.”
Magistrate Webster Milumbe said the court had a duty to send a strong warning, citing the growing prevalence of hate speech.
Edwards was convicted under the Cyber Security Act and the Cyber Crimes Act, legislation enacted earlier this year.
She admitted using a computer system to publish the statements, acknowledged having no lawful excuse, and conceded that her words were motivated by hatred.
Throughout her appearances, Edwards appeared subdued, in stark contrast to her online persona.
The magistrate confirmed her sentence would take effect from the date of her arrest. Mr Katati added he had not yet received instructions from Edwards on whether she would appeal.
The case has divided public opinion in Zambia, with some supporting the sentence and others arguing it infringes on freedom of expression.
President Hichilema abolished criminal defamation laws against the office of the president in 2021, though other laws still allow prosecutions.
In September, two men were sentenced to two years for attempting to use witchcraft to kill President Hichilema.