Egyptian Crime Show Presenter Sarah Khalifa Sentenced To Death In Major Drug Trafficking Case
Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa has been sentenced to death alongside 11 other defendants following a major drug trafficking case.
The 39-year-old presenter was convicted as part of a criminal network accused of bringing drug-making materials into Egypt for illegal production and sale.
The group was also found guilty of possessing firearms and ammunition.
According to BBC, Khalifa has denied the allegations against her, while her lawyer has confirmed plans to challenge the death sentence.
Court Hears Evidence Of Massive Drug Operation
The case centred on a large-scale operation involving narcotics and materials intended for manufacturing drugs.
Authorities reportedly seized more than 750kg of narcotics, along with raw materials that had been brought into the country.
Prosecutors presented statements from 20 witnesses during the proceedings.
Electronic evidence was also submitted, including alleged conversations and video recordings linked to the case.
Nine other defendants received life sentences, while seven were acquitted.
Presenter Denies Seeing Drugs
Khalifa, who became known for presenting the crime-focused programme Mission Impossible, has maintained her innocence.
During a court hearing last September, she reportedly rejected claims about her involvement in the alleged operation.
According to state media, Khalifa told the judge that she had never seen drugs until she was photographed with them at the offices of Egypt’s anti-narcotics authority.
Her defence team is expected to appeal the death sentence.
Religious Opinion Required Before Execution
Although the verdict was initially announced last month, it was not formally confirmed until the court received an opinion from Egypt’s Grand Mufti.
Egyptian law requires the Grand Mufti’s opinion to be obtained before a death sentence can be confirmed.
The opinion is advisory rather than binding, allowing the court to proceed with its final decision.
The latest ruling therefore formally confirms the death sentences handed to Khalifa and the 11 other defendants.
Death Penalty Remains Controversial
The case has also renewed attention on Egypt’s use of capital punishment.
According to Amnesty International’s 2025 report, Egyptian courts handed down 492 death sentences during the year.
Of those cases, 23 executions were reportedly carried out.
Amnesty said some of the death sentences involved drug trafficking and rape convictions.
The organisation argued that these offences did not involve intentional killing and therefore should not attract the death penalty under international law and standards.
The latest case involving Khalifa is now expected to move into the appeals process following her lawyer’s decision to challenge the ruling.
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