Hate Speech

Zambian-American influencer and political vlogger faces 18 months in prison.

A Zambian-American influencer and political vlogger has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for making insulting remarks about Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema.

Zambian-born Ethel Chisono Edwards popularly known as "One Boss Lady", who also holds a U.S citizenship and works as an estate agent in New York has a large following across various social media accounts has become renowned for her rants about the president over the last two years.

The 42-year-old was arrested at Zambia's main airport three months ago following her arrival to attend her grandmother's funeral.

She pleaded guilty in a magistrate's court in the capital, Lusaka and has apologised to the president for her hate speech comments.

Magistrate Webster Milumbe however said the court had a duty to send a strong warning, noting that hate speech had become increasingly common.