Ethel Chisono Edwards, a Zambian-American influencer and political vlogger, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison in Zambia for hate speech. She was convicted for making derogatory remarks about President Hakainde Hichilema, a subject she has frequently addressed in her social media rants, prompting her to gain significant online following.
Edwards, who was born in Zambia but is a dual citizen of the United States, was arrested three months ago upon her return to Zambia for her grandmother’s funeral. She pleaded guilty in a Lusaka magistrate’s court and issued an apology to the president for her comments. Magistrate Webster Milumbe emphasized the necessity of addressing hate speech, citing its rising prevalence in society.
The conviction was made under the newly implemented Cyber Security Act and Cyber Crimes Act, both of which came into force this year. Edwards acknowledged that her statements were motivated by hatred and that she used a computer system to disseminate them, admitting to lacking a lawful reason for her comments.
Her defense attorney, Joseph Katati, characterized her as a remorseful first-time offender who supports her family and runs philanthropic efforts, including sponsorship of a girls’ football team in Zambia, which may be adversely affected by her imprisonment. Katati conveyed a public apology on her behalf, seeking leniency in the sentencing process.
Edwards exhibited a subdued demeanor throughout her court appearances, contrasting with her more vibrant online presence. While the magistrate noted the defense’s appeal for mitigation, he stated that her sentence would take effect from the day of her arrest.
The ruling has generated mixed reactions in Zambia, with some viewing it as necessary and others asserting it infringes on free speech rights. Despite Hichilema’s prior abolition of criminal defamation laws against the presidency, legal repercussions for hate speech still exist. In a related note, two men recently received two-year prison sentences for attempting to use witchcraft against the president.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgqnklqge7o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss