Egyptian TV host with 2.5 million followers sentenced to death over alleged drug trafficking

Egyptian television host Sarah Khalifa, known to millions of Instagram followers, has been sentenced to death in a case alleging organized synthetic-drug trafficking and unauthorized firearms possession. A Cairo criminal court sentenced Khalifa and 11 other defendants to hanging and imposed fines of 500,000 Egyptian pounds each.

Prosecutors said the group imported materials needed to manufacture synthetic drugs from abroad and divided responsibility for each stage of production among different members. Police said they seized 750 kilograms of synthetic drugs and other raw materials from residences where the defendants were suspected of storing and producing the substances.

The case also resulted in different outcomes for other defendants. Nine people charged in the same case received life sentences, while seven were acquitted. Prosecutors said the evidence included testimony from 20 witnesses, as well as conversations, photographs and video footage.

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I have never smoked even one cigarette in my life.

Khalifa has about 2.5 million Instagram followers and has hosted an entertainment show with singer Hamo Bika. She is best known in Egypt as the host of the security and crime program “Mission Impossible.” She also runs a plastic surgery clinic and an event-planning company.

Videos shared on social media reportedly show Khalifa crying during the sentencing hearing and asking for leniency. She said, “I have never smoked even one cigarette in my life,” and added, “I swear by Almighty God that I have been wronged.” The authenticity of the video has not been verified. The death sentences remain subject to Egypt’s required consultation with the Grand Mufti and can be appealed in a higher court.

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I swear by Almighty God that I have been wronged.