Cairo: Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa, 39, has been sentenced to death by hanging along with 11 other defendants in a major drug-manufacturing and trafficking case, according to Egyptian media reports.
The Cairo Criminal Court convicted the accused of forming an organised criminal group involved in importing raw materials used to manufacture synthetic narcotics, producing the drugs and preparing them for trafficking. Prosecutors also accused members of possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Egyptian TV presenter Sarah Khalifa was among 12 people sentenced to death for their alleged role in a drug trafficking network on Saturday, according to a state-owned Egyptian outlet. https://t.co/w9kFc7WUrS pic.twitter.com/mXZZKFemT3
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The case involved 28 defendants. While Khalifa and 11 others received death sentences, nine were sentenced to life imprisonment and seven were acquitted. Authorities said investigations led to the seizure of more than 750 kg of synthetic narcotics and drug-manufacturing materials, with residential properties allegedly being used as storage and production sites.
Khalifa, best known for hosting the crime-focused television programme Mission Impossible, has denied the allegations. During earlier proceedings, she maintained her innocence and rejected claims that she was involved in drug trafficking. Reports said she became emotional in court and appealed for mercy.
The prosecution said its case was supported by statements from 20 witnesses as well as digital and technical evidence, including messages, photographs and videos. The court’s death sentences followed consultation with Egypt’s Grand Mufti, a required procedural step in capital cases.
Khalifa was arrested in April 2025 during the investigation. Her defence has indicated that the verdict can be challenged, and the death sentences are subject to appeal before Egypt’s higher courts.
The verdict adds to scrutiny of Egypt’s continued use of capital punishment, with drug trafficking among the offences for which the death penalty can be imposed.
