Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa has been sentenced to death by hanging alongside 11 other defendants after a Cairo court convicted them in a major drug trafficking case.
Khalifa, 39, who is best known for presenting the crime and security programme Mission Impossible, was accused of being part of an organised criminal network involved in importing materials used to manufacture synthetic drugs for distribution. Prosecutors also accused members of the group of possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Authorities said more than 750 kilograms of narcotics and raw materials were seized during the investigation. Two apartments were reportedly used as laboratories for manufacturing the drugs. Prosecutors presented statements from 20 witnesses alongside digital evidence, including messages, photographs and videos.
Khalifa has consistently denied the allegations and has said she had never seen drugs before being photographed with them at an anti narcotics authority facility. Her lawyer is expected to challenge the verdict. The death sentences are not final and can be appealed.
The court also sentenced nine defendants to life imprisonment and acquitted seven others in the case, which involved 28 people.
The ruling followed consultation with Egypt’s Grand Mufti, whose opinion is required in capital punishment cases, although it is not binding on the court.
The case comes amid continuing concerns over Egypt’s use of capital punishment. Amnesty International recorded 492 death sentences and 23 executions in Egypt during 2025, while criticising the use of the death penalty for offences that did not involve intentional killing.
