Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa, along with 11 others, has been sentenced to death by hanging after being convicted of drug trafficking charges. This verdict was reported by state-owned al-Ahram newspaper, which stated that the group was involved in a criminal operation importing substances used to manufacture drugs for sale. Additionally, they were found in possession of illegal firearms and munitions.
Khalifa, 39, is widely recognised for her television programme “Mission Impossible,” which focuses on crime-related issues. She has consistently denied the allegations against her. In this case, nine co-defendants received life sentences, while seven were acquitted.
Following the sentencing, Khalifa’s lawyer announced plans to appeal the death sentence. The initial verdict was delivered last month but was only confirmed recently after the court sought a religious opinion from Egypt’s grand mufti, a legal requirement in cases involving capital punishment.
During the trial, the court was presented with evidence indicating that authorities had seized over 750 kilograms (approximately 1,653 pounds) of narcotics, along with the raw materials necessary for their production. The prosecution’s case included testimonies from 20 witnesses and electronic evidence, such as conversations and video clips.
In a court appearance last September, Khalifa claimed she had never encountered drugs until she was photographed with them at the anti-narcotics authority offices, according to reports from Akhbar al-Youm.
A 2025 report by Amnesty International highlighted that there were 492 death sentences issued in Egypt that year, with 23 executions carried out. The report also noted that the crimes for which Khalifa and her co-defendants were convicted, including drug trafficking and rape, do not meet the threshold of “intentional killing,” which international law stipulates as a requirement for the death penalty.
This case has drawn significant attention, reflecting ongoing concerns regarding the application of capital punishment in Egypt and the broader implications for human rights in the region.
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