An Egyptian court has sentenced 12 people, including television presenter Sarah Khalifa, to death after convicting them on drug charges.They were part of a “criminal gang” that imported ingredients used to manufacture drugs for sale. They were also found in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, BBC reported citing state-owned Al-Ahram newspaper.Although the verdict was announced last month, it was only confirmed now after the court obtained a religious opinion from Egypt’s grand mufti, fulfilling a legal requirement in death cases.The verdict is subject to appeal.
The trial
During the trial, the court heard that authorities had seized more than 750kg (1,653lbs) of narcotics, along with raw materials imported to manufacture them.Twenty witnesses gave statements to prosecutors, while electronic evidence included conversations and video clips.The defendants were convicted of drug trafficking and rape — “crimes that did not amount to ‘intentional killing’ to which the use of the death penalty must be restricted under international law and standards.”
Who is Sarah Khalifa
The 39-year-old presenter, who has denied the charges, is best known for her television programme Mission Impossible, which focused on crime-related issues.During a court hearing in September last year, Khalifa was questioned by the judge about her alleged involvement in the case. She said she had never seen any drugs until she was photographed with them inside the anti-narcotics authority’s offices.According to a 2025 report by Amnesty International, Egyptian courts handed down 492 death sentences during the year, while 23 people were executed.
