A Zambian-American social media influencer has been jailed for 18 months for hate speech, in a case that has reignited debate over free expression under Zambia's new cyber laws.

Ethel Chisono Edwards known online as "One Boss Lady" was sentenced by a Lusaka magistrate after pleading guilty to posting insulting remarks about President Hakainde Hichilema, despite his 2021 repeal of criminal defamation against the presidency. Her conviction under the recently enacted Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Acts has sparked sharp reactions, especially among Zambians who spend much of their lives online, questioning whether the new legislation is consistent with constitutional protections on free speech.

 For a legal analysis Lulu Gaboo spoke to Simon Mulenga Mwila who is a Lawyer and Aspiring Mayor in Lusaka, Zambia.