Egyptian TV Presenter Sarah Khalifa Sentenced to Death in Drug Case

Cairo: Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa has been sentenced to death by hanging along with 11 other defendants after being convicted in a major drug trafficking case.

According to Egypt’s state-owned Al-Ahram newspaper, the defendants were found guilty of belonging to a criminal gang. Prosecutors alleged that the group imported raw materials used to manufacture drugs for sale.

The case also involved allegations of illegal firearms and ammunition. Authorities reportedly seized more than 750kg (1,653lbs) of narcotics and imported materials during the investigation.

Khalifa Denies the Charges

Khalifa, 39, is known for presenting the television programme Mission Impossible. The show focused on crime-related issues and investigations.

However, she has denied the allegations against her. Her lawyer has also said that the death sentence will be appealed.

During a court appearance last September, Khalifa reportedly rejected claims about her involvement in the alleged criminal activity.

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According to state-run Akhbar Al-Youm, she told the judge that she had never seen drugs before being photographed with them inside the offices of Egypt’s anti-narcotics authority.

Court Evidence

The prosecution presented testimony from 20 witnesses during the proceedings. Electronic evidence was also submitted to the court.

According to Al-Ahram, this included conversations and video clips that prosecutors said supported the case against the defendants.

Nine other defendants received life imprisonment sentences. Meanwhile, seven defendants were acquitted.

The verdict was initially announced last month. However, its confirmation came later after Egypt’s Grand Mufti provided a religious opinion.

Such an opinion is required under Egyptian law in cases involving a death sentence. The Grand Mufti’s opinion is advisory rather than the final judicial decision.

Death Penalty Debate

The case has also drawn attention to Egypt’s continued use of capital punishment.

According to Amnesty International’s 2025 report, 492 death sentences were recorded in Egypt during the year. Of those, 23 executions were carried out.

The rights organisation has criticised the use of the death penalty in cases involving offences that do not meet the international standard of intentional killing.

The latest case is now expected to move into the appeal process. Khalifa’s lawyer has confirmed plans to challenge the sentence.

The final outcome will depend on proceedings before Egypt’s higher courts.