An Egyptian court has sentenced television presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 others to death by hanging for drug trafficking and firearms-related charges, state media reported on Saturday.
The verdict, delivered by a Cairo court, follows a legal process that included consultation with the Grand Mufti of Egypt, a requirement for capital punishment cases under Egyptian law. The ruling is subject to appeal.
Core charges and evidence
The defendants were convicted on charges of forming an organized criminal gang specializing in procuring materials used to manufacture narcotics with the intent to traffic them. Authorities reported seizing more than 750kg of narcotics and raw materials, alongside two apartments used as laboratories and unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
During the trial, prosecutors presented electronic evidence, including conversations and video clips, as well as testimony from 20 witnesses. State media reported that Khalifa, who owns a production company and a plastic surgery clinic, was among those found guilty of drug trafficking and possessing unlicensed firearms.
Khalifa, 39, is best known for hosting the crime-focused television program Mission Impossible and maintains a social media presence with over 2.5 million Instagram followers. She has denied the charges, according to reports.
Additional convictions
In a separate case, Khalifa and others were sentenced to five years in prison for the kidnapping and assault of a young man. The charges in this case were unrelated to the drug trafficking allegations.
Legal process and sentencing
The death sentences were confirmed after the court obtained a religious opinion from the Grand Mufti, a mandatory step in capital cases under Egyptian law. The verdict was initially announced last month but only became final upon this confirmation.
Egyptian authorities have not yet indicated whether the sentences will be carried out immediately or if appeals will be filed. The case remains subject to further legal review.
Broader context on capital punishment in Egypt
According to a 2025 report by Amnesty International, Egypt issued 492 death sentences in the past year, with 23 executions carried out. The report noted concerns about the application of the death penalty for crimes that do not meet the threshold of "intentional killing," as required under international law and standards.
The defendants in this case were convicted of drug trafficking and rape, crimes that Amnesty International has argued should not qualify for capital punishment under international human rights frameworks.