Lusaka, December 02, 2025
Zambian-American influencer Ethel Chisono Edwards, known as \”One Boss Lady,\” has been sentenced to 18 months in prison in Zambia for hate speech against President Hakainde Hichilema, following her use of online platforms to insult the president. Edwards pleaded guilty under Zambia’s Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes laws, with sentencing occurring in December 2025.
Details of the Case and Sentence
Edwards, a 42-year-old Zambian-born U.S. citizen and estate agent based in New York, holds a significant social media following. She was arrested at Lusaka’s airport while attending her grandmother’s funeral. The charges stem from her derogatory statements targeting President Hichilema, violating recent legislation aimed at regulating online speech. Upon pleading guilty, Edwards publicly apologised to the president, his family, and the nation, acknowledging the potential harm caused by her comments.
The 18-month prison term reflects Zambia’s intensified enforcement against hate speech, with courts emphasizing the need to deter similar offenses. The sentence was backdated to Edwards’ arrest date, which was approximately three months before sentencing. At the time of reporting, the status of any appeal remains uncertain.
Legal Context and Government Position
Edwards’ case centers on laws enacted in early 2025 designed to combat increasing hate speech online. These Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes laws provide broad powers to prosecute individuals who issue statements deemed insulting or hateful toward public officials. The Zambian judiciary aims to use such cases to send a clear warning about online conduct.
Besides this, Zambia recently handed down a two-year sentence to individuals accused of attempting witchcraft against the president, underscoring the government’s firm stance on protecting state dignity through legal means.
Public Reaction and Broader Impact
In Zambia, Edwards’ prosecution divides public opinion. Supporters argue that accountability is crucial for maintaining respect toward national leaders, especially in the digital age where misinformation and inflammatory speech can spread rapidly. Critics contend that such enforcement may encroach on freedom of expression, noting that criminal defamation against the president was abolished in 2021. This case raises ongoing debates about balancing speech freedoms with societal protections.
Edwards is also known for philanthropic efforts, including sponsoring a girls’ football team in Zambia. Her imprisonment may disrupt these contributions, highlighting the broader societal effects of stringent speech legislation.
Implications in the Context of Zambia’s Digital Speech Environment
This case illustrates Zambia’s tightening legal framework on social media and online communication under the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes laws. By prosecuting high-profile individuals like Edwards, the government reinforces its message that hate speech, especially directed at public officials, will not be tolerated.
The evolving regulatory landscape puts pressure on influencers, citizens, and external observers alike to navigate a sensitive space where freedom of expression intersects with legal restrictions designed to uphold public order and respect for leadership. The long-term effects on civic discourse and human rights remain closely watched both within Zambia and internationally.