Egyptian TV Presenter Among 12 Sentenced to Death for Drug Crime

An Egyptian court has sentenced Sarah Khalifa, a well-known television presenter, along with 11 others to death for their roles in a drug trafficking operation. Khalifa, 39, is recognized for her program "Mission Impossible," which focused on security and crime issues. The court found the group guilty of forming an organized criminal gang that manufactured and trafficked narcotics, as well as possessing unlicensed firearms.

The state-linked Al-Ahram newspaper reported that the court's decision followed a consultation with the Grand Mufti of Egypt, a requirement in capital cases under Egyptian law. The defendants were also charged with importing materials used in drug manufacturing from abroad. Authorities seized over 750 kilograms of narcotics and raw materials during the investigation, which included the discovery of two laboratories and unlicensed firearms.

In addition to the death sentences, Khalifa and others received five-year prison terms for a separate case involving kidnapping and assault. The verdict is subject to appeal.

Egypt applies the death penalty for serious crimes, including drug trafficking. According to the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms, 541 death sentences were issued in the country in 2025.