Egyptian television host sentenced to death in drug-trafficking case

Egyptian television host Sara Khalifa is among 12 people sentenced to death by hanging by a Cairo court in a case involving an alleged drug-trafficking network.

Local media reported that prosecutors accused the defendants of forming an organised criminal group “specialised in importing substances used to produce narcotics for trafficking”. They were also accused of possessing firearms without licences.

Prosecutors said the group imported materials needed to manufacture synthetic drugs and that authorities seized 750 kilograms of synthetic narcotics. Nine other defendants received life sentences, while seven were acquitted.

Khalifa, who has 2.5 million followers on Instagram, is known for hosting an entertainment programme with musician Hamo Bika. After the verdict, she rejected the accusation, saying: “I have never smoked even cigarettes in my life. I swear by Almighty God, the strongest oath, that I was unjustly convicted.”

Amnesty International data cited in the report says Egypt issued 492 death sentences last year and carried out 23 executions.

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I have never smoked even cigarettes in my life. I swear by Almighty God, the strongest oath, that I was unjustly convicted.