Egypt TV presenter and 11 others sentenced to death in major drugs case

Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 others have been sentenced to death by hanging after being convicted of drug trafficking and rape, while nine defendants received life sentences and seven were acquitted.

Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa, 39, has been sentenced to death by hanging along with 11 other defendants after being found guilty in a drugs case involving a criminal gang accused of importing ingredients used to manufacture narcotics for sale.

The group was also convicted of possessing illegal firearms and munitions, according to the state-owned al-Ahram newspaper.

Khalifa is known for presenting Mission Impossible, a television programme focused on crime-related issues. She has denied the allegations against her, while her lawyer has said she will appeal the death sentence.

Khalifa also owns a plastic surgery clinic and a production company that specialises in organising parties and events.

Khalifa, who has 2.5 million followers on her Instagram account, was briefly married to former Egyptian football player Mahmoud Kharaba in 2016.

Nine other defendants in the case were sentenced to life imprisonment, while seven were acquitted.

Court heard evidence of large drug haul

The verdict was initially announced last month but was confirmed a month later after the court obtained a religious opinion from Egypt's grand mufti, a legal requirement in cases involving the death penalty.

During the proceedings, the court heard that authorities had confiscated more than 750 kg (1,653 lbs) of narcotics, along with imported raw materials allegedly intended for drug production.

Al-Ahram reported that 20 witnesses had provided statements to prosecutors. The evidence also included electronic material, such as conversations and video clips.

According to the state-run Akhbar al-Youm newspaper, Khalifa was questioned by the judge about her alleged involvement during a court hearing last September. She said she had never seen drugs before being photographed with them inside the offices of the anti-narcotics authority.

Egypt applies the death penalty for premeditated murder, terrorism, some rape offences and drug trafficking.

Source: firstpost.com, Staff, September 6, 2026

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