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Egyptian TV presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 others have been sentenced to death in a major drug trafficking case.
Egypt Court Sentences TV Presenter Sarah Khalifa, 11 Others To Death In Drugs Case (Photo: Instagram,Sarah Khalifa)
Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa, 39, has been sentenced to death by hanging along with 11 other defendants in a major drug case in Egypt.
According to the BBC, Khalifa was convicted over alleged involvement in an organised criminal group accused of importing raw materials from abroad to manufacture synthetic drugs for sale. She has denied the allegations and maintained her innocence throughout the case.
Who Is Sarah Khalifa?
Khalifa is best known for hosting ‘Mission Impossible’, a television programme focused on security and crime-related issues.
Beyond television, she also owns a cosmetic surgery clinic and a production company that organises parties and events, according to AFP.
Her name came into the spotlight after she was arrested in Cairo in April 2025 as part of the investigation. An arrest warrant was issued later that year.
What Is The Drug Case Against Her?
State-owned Al-Ahram reported that Khalifa and the other defendants were found guilty of belonging to an organised criminal group.
Prosecutors alleged that different members of the group had separate roles in importing raw materials, manufacturing synthetic drugs and distributing them.
During the investigation, authorities reportedly seized more than 750 kg of narcotics, along with materials allegedly used to manufacture them.
Investigators also discovered two apartments allegedly being used as drug laboratories, as well as unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Khalifa Denies Allegations, Says She Had Never Seen Drugs
Khalifa has rejected the allegations against her.
During a court hearing last September, she reportedly told the judge that she had never seen drugs before she was photographed with them inside the offices of Egypt’s anti-narcotics authority.
She also told investigators that she had never smoked a cigarette in her life.
Egyptian media reported that Khalifa broke down in court and pleaded for mercy.
“Please listen to me, sir. My parents raised me well; they are people who pray, and I don’t need drug money,” she said.
12 Get Death Sentence, 9 Sentenced To Life
The court sentenced Khalifa and 11 other defendants to death.
Nine other defendants were handed life imprisonment, while seven were acquitted.
Khalifa’s lawyer has said that she will appeal the death sentence.
The verdict was initially announced last month but was formally confirmed after Egypt’s Grand Mufti issued a religious opinion, a procedural requirement in death penalty cases.
Evidence Presented During Trial
Prosecutors based their case on statements from 20 witnesses, according to Al-Ahram.
The prosecution also presented technical and digital evidence, including messages, photographs and videos, which it said documented the activities of the alleged criminal group.
Egypt’s Use Of Death Penalty
Egypt retains the death penalty for a range of offences, including premeditated murder, terrorism, certain rape offences and drug trafficking.
The use of capital punishment in drug-related cases has faced criticism from human rights organisations.
According to Amnesty International, Egypt handed down 492 death sentences in 2025, while 23 executions were carried out during the year.
The organisation has argued that under international law, the death penalty should be restricted to crimes involving intentional killing.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms recorded 541 death sentences in Egypt during 2025, according to a report by the Independent.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Sarah Khalifa was sentenced to death along with 11 others in Egypt for alleged involvement in an organized criminal group. This group was accused of importing raw materials to manufacture and distribute synthetic drugs. Authorities seized over 750 kg of narcotics and discovered two alleged drug laboratories during the investigation.
Ask News18September 06, 2026, 6:31 PM IST
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