Influencer Jailed 18 Months For Hate Speech Against President 

Influencer Jailed 18 Months For Hate Speech Against President

A Zambian-American influencer, Ethel Chisono Edwards, has been jailed for 18 months for hate speech against President Hakainde Hichilema.

The 42-year-old was arrested three months ago at Lusaka’s airport after flying in from the US for her grandmother’s funeral.

She pleaded guilty, admitted her remarks were driven by hatred, and apologized to the president.

The magistrate said the sentence was meant to curb rising hate speech, convicting her under Zambia’s new Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Acts.

The case has ignited debate in Zambia—some believe the sentence was necessary, while others see it as a threat to freedom of expression.

Hichilema scrapped criminal defamation laws in 2021; prosecutions can still occur under other statutes.

In September, two men were jailed for attempting to use witchcraft in an alleged plot to ki’ll him.