Zambian‑American Influencer Sentenced to 18 Months for Hate Speech – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

In December 2025 a high‑profile Zambian‑American social‑media personality was handed an 18‑month prison term for hate speech against Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema. The case, which attracted widespread debate on the limits of online expression, highlights the growing enforcement of Zambia’s Cyber Security Act and Cyber Crimes Act. This article explains the facts, legal framework, and practical lessons for content creators who operate across borders.

Analysis

Who is the influencer?

Ethel Chisono Edwards, 42, was born in Zambia and later acquired United States citizenship. She works as a property agent in New York while maintaining a large following on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Under the moniker “One Boss Lady,” Edwards built a reputation for outspoken political commentary, especially criticism of President Hichilema’s policies.

Timeline of the offence and prosecution

1. July 2025 – Arrival in Lusaka: Edwards flew into Kenneth Kaunda International Airport to attend her grandmother’s funeral. Airport security detained her after officials identified a series of online posts that targeted the president.
2. July – August 2025 – Arrest and detention: She was placed in police custody and charged under the Cyber Security Act (2024 amendment) and the Cyber Crimes Act (2022). The charges alleged that she used a computer to publish “insulting and hateful” statements motivated by animus toward the president.
3. September 2025 – Court appearance: In a Justice of the Peace (JP) court in Lusaka, Edwards offered a public apology to President Hichilema, his family, and the Zambian people. Magistrate Webster Milumbe warned that “hate speech is becoming increasingly common” and emphasized the need for a deterrent sentence.
4. December 2 2025 – Sentencing: The magistrate imposed an 18‑month term, to be served from the date of her initial arrest. The defence counsel, Joseph Katati, argued for mitigation, citing Edwards’ charitable work with a Zambian women’s soccer team.

Legal basis for the conviction

The conviction rested on two statutes:

• Cyber Security Act (2024 amendment): Criminalises the “creation, publication or distribution of content that incites hatred, hostility or discrimination against a person or group based on protected characteristics, including political opinion.”
• Cyber Crimes Act (2022): Provides penalties for the use of electronic devices to commit offenses listed in the Penal Code, including defamation and intimidation.

Both laws were enacted to modernise Zambia’s approach to digital threats and to align with international standards on cyber‑security.

Public reaction

Reaction within Zambia was split:

• Supporters of the ruling party praised the sentence as a necessary step to curb “online harassment” of the president.
• Human‑rights advocates warned that the ruling could chill legitimate political discourse and infringe on the constitutional right to freedom of expression.
• International observers noted that while Zambia has repealed the colonial‑era “defamation of a public official” prison provision, the new cyber‑laws still permit imprisonment for speech deemed hateful.

Summary

Ethel Chisono Edwards, a dual‑national influencer known as “One Boss Lady,” received an 18‑month jail term for hate speech directed at President Hakainde Hichilema. The case was prosecuted under Zambia’s recent cyber legislation, which criminalises online content that incites hatred. The decision sparked a national debate about the balance between protecting public figures from harassment and safeguarding free speech in the digital age.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For content creators operating in Zambia

1. Know the law: Familiarise yourself with the Cyber Security Act and Cyber Crimes Act. Understand that “hate speech” includes any content that can be interpreted as inciting hostility toward a public figure’s political views.
2. Use neutral language: When discussing political matters, avoid derogatory adjectives, personal attacks, or calls for action against the individual.
3. Document intent: Keep records of the purpose behind any controversial post (e.g., public interest, factual reporting) to demonstrate lack of malicious intent if questioned.
4. Seek legal counsel: Before publishing potentially sensitive material, consult a lawyer familiar with Zambian cyber legislation.
5. Implement a compliance checklist: Create a pre‑post review process that includes a legal‑risk assessment, especially for content that mentions government officials.

For international influencers with a Zambian audience

• Consider the jurisdiction: Even if you reside abroad, publishing content that is accessible in Zambia can subject you to Zambian law.
• Utilise geoblocking or content warnings when addressing topics that could be deemed hateful in the target country.
• Maintain a professional tone and focus on factual analysis rather than emotional outbursts.

Points of Caution

While freedom of expression is protected under Zambia’s Constitution, the courts have affirmed that this right is not absolute. The following pitfalls often lead to legal exposure:

• Misinterpreting “defamation” vs. “hate speech”: The 2021 repeal of the prison‑defamation law removed a specific offence, but hate‑speech provisions remain robust.
• Using anonymous accounts: Authorities can trace IP addresses and device identifiers, making anonymity a limited shield.
• Relying on “satire” defence: Satire is not a blanket exemption; the content must be clearly recognisable as parody and not intended to incite hatred.
• Failing to remove offending material promptly: Delays in taking down content after a notice can be interpreted as aggravating the offence.

Comparison

Similar cases in Zambia

Key differences

• Edwards’ case is the first high‑profile conviction under the 2024 amendment that specifically targets online hate speech against political leaders.
• The witchcraft case involved a direct threat to physical safety, whereas Edwards’ case concerned non‑violent, verbal hostility.
• Previous defamation cases often resulted in fines, but the newer cyber statutes allow for custodial sentences, reflecting a shift toward harsher penalties for digital offences.

Legal Implications

Under Zambian law, the following legal consequences apply to hate‑speech convictions:

1. Criminal liability: Imprisonment of up to three years, fines, or both, depending on the severity and intent.
2. Civil repercussions: Victims (e.g., the president) may pursue damages for reputational harm, though such civil actions are rare in political contexts.
3. Immigration impact: Foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes may face deportation after serving their sentence.
4. Future restrictions: Convicted individuals may be barred from holding certain public or media‑related positions for a prescribed period.

Internationally, the case underscores the need for harmonisation between national cyber‑crime statutes and global standards on freedom of expression, such as the UN Human Rights Council guidelines. While Zambia retains the sovereign right to enforce its laws, the outcome may influence how other African states draft or amend similar legislation.

Conclusion

The sentencing of Ethel Chisono Edwards marks a watershed moment for digital speech regulation in Zambia. It demonstrates that the government is prepared to use newly‑enacted cyber‑laws to penalise online hostility toward public officials, even when the offender holds dual citizenship and lives abroad. For influencers, journalists, and ordinary citizens, the case serves as a clear reminder that “free speech” carries responsibilities and limits, especially in the online arena.

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