Egyptian television presenter sentenced to death on drug charges

Egyptian television presenter Sara Khalifa and 11 other defendants have been sentenced to death by hanging after being convicted in a case involving drug crimes. The state newspaper Al-Ahram, cited by the BBC, said prosecutors identified the defendants as members of a criminal organization that brought raw materials used to manufacture drugs into Egypt and processed them for sale.

The defendants were also accused of possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Khalifa, 39, is known for the crime-focused television program “Mission Impossible.” She denied the charges. Her lawyer said the defense would appeal the death sentence.

The court first announced the death sentences last month. Egyptian law requires the opinion of the Grand Mufti, the country’s highest religious authority, before a death sentence becomes final. After seeking that opinion, the court confirmed the ruling a month later.

Evidence presented during the trial included more than 750 kilograms of drugs and imported raw materials allegedly used in drug production. Al-Ahram reported that 20 witnesses gave statements to prosecutors, while messages and video recordings were also entered as digital evidence.

According to Akhbar al-Youm, the presiding judge asked Khalifa about her alleged role in the organization. She said she had seen drugs for the first time in her life at a narcotics unit office, when she was photographed with the substances. Amnesty International’s 2025 report said Egyptian courts issued 492 death sentences during the year and carried out 23 executions.

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I saw drugs for the first time in my life at the narcotics unit office.