A Zambian American influencer and political vlogger has been sentenced to eighteen months in prison for hate speech after making insulting remarks about Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema.
Ethel Chisono Edwards, who was born in Zambia and also holds United States citizenship, works as an estate agent in New York and has built a significant following across several social media platforms. Known online as One Boss Lady, she has gained attention for her outspoken criticism of the president over the past two years.
The forty two year old was arrested at Zambia’s main airport three months ago when she travelled home to attend her grandmother’s funeral.
She pleaded guilty before a magistrate’s court in Lusaka and offered an apology to the president for her remarks.
But Magistrate Webster Milumbe noted that the court had a responsibility to send a strong warning at a time when hate speech is becoming increasingly common.
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