**TV Presenter Among 11 Sentenced to Death in Egypt Drugs Case**
In a significant legal ruling, Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 others have been sentenced to death by hanging following their conviction on drug-related charges. This decision was reported by the state-owned newspaper al-Akhram and has drawn considerable attention both domestically and internationally.
The court found that Khalifa, 39, and her co-defendants were part of a criminal organization that imported substances used in the production of illegal drugs, with the intent to distribute them. Additionally, the group was discovered to possess illegal firearms and ammunition, further complicating the charges against them.
Khalifa is widely recognized for her television program "Mission Impossible," which focused on crime-related issues. Throughout the proceedings, she maintained her innocence, asserting that she had never encountered any drugs until she was photographed with them at the offices of the anti-narcotics authority.
The verdict, which can be appealed, was initially announced last month but was confirmed only after the court sought a religious opinion from Egypt's grand mufti, a procedural requirement in capital cases. This additional step delayed the finalization of the sentencing.
During the trial, substantial evidence was presented, including the seizure of over 750 kilograms (approximately 1,653 pounds) of narcotics and the raw materials used to manufacture them. Prosecutors relied on testimonies from 20 witnesses, as well as electronic evidence that included recorded conversations and video footage.
The case has raised questions regarding the application of the death penalty in Egypt, particularly concerning the nature of the crimes committed. According to a 2025 report from Amnesty International, there were 492 death sentences issued in Egypt that year, with 23 executions carried out. The report highlighted that the defendants in Khalifa's case were convicted of drug trafficking and related offenses, which, under international law, may not meet the threshold for capital punishment, typically reserved for crimes involving intentional killing.
As the legal process continues, the implications of this case are likely to resonate within Egypt and beyond, reflecting ongoing debates about drug-related crimes, legal standards, and human rights in the region. Khalifa and her co-defendants now face the possibility of an appeals process, which could alter the outcome of their sentences.