Egyptian TV presenter Sarah Khalifa sentenced to death

Sarah Khalifa, a familiar face from Egypt’s private television channel Al-Mehwar, has been sentenced to death in a case involving an alleged drug network. The 39-year-old is known for presenting “Mission Impossible,” a program about criminal cases. A Cairo criminal court has now ruled that she was involved in a crime of her own.

The court convicted Khalifa and 11 other defendants of running a network that allegedly imported raw materials from abroad for synthetic drugs. Investigators said they found 750 kilograms of drugs among members of the group. The case, which has been underway since April 2025, covers 28 defendants in total.

Nine other defendants were sentenced to life in prison, while seven were acquitted. The court also found illegal firearms and ammunition, according to the reporting. Before issuing the death sentences, it sought the opinion of Egypt’s grand mufti, as required in such cases. That opinion is advisory and not legally binding. The state newspaper Al-Ahram reported that the ruling followed a detailed examination of evidence and testimony from 20 witnesses.

Khalifa insists she is innocent. Al Jazeera quoted her as saying: “My parents raised me well. They are people who pray. And I do not need drug money.” She also said that she does not even smoke.

Beyond television, Khalifa runs an events agency and a cosmetic surgery clinic. She is also a social media personality with 2.5 million followers on Instagram alone.

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My parents raised me well. They are people who pray. And I do not need drug money.