An Egyptian court has sentenced television presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 co-defendants to death by hanging after convicting them of drug trafficking and related offences. The verdict was confirmed following mandatory review by Egypt's grand mufti.
An Egyptian court has sentenced television presenter Sarah Khalifa, 39, and 11 others to death by hanging on drug-trafficking charges. Khalifa, known for hosting the crime-focused television programme "Mission Impossible," has denied all allegations against her. The defendants were found guilty of operating as part of a criminal network that imported raw materials for narcotics production with intent to sell, and of possessing illegal firearms and ammunition.
Authorities reported seizing more than 750 kilograms of narcotics and precursor materials during the investigation. The prosecution presented testimony from 20 witnesses alongside electronic evidence including recorded conversations and video footage, according to state-owned media. During trial proceedings, Khalifa stated she had not encountered the drugs until being photographed alongside them at anti-narcotics authority offices.
The death sentences were initially announced last month but required confirmation following mandatory religious review by Egypt's grand mufti, a legal requirement under Egyptian law before death sentences can be finalised. In addition to the 12 capital sentences, nine co-defendants received life imprisonment while seven were acquitted. Khalifa's legal representatives have indicated they will appeal the verdict.
According to Amnesty International's 2025 report, Egyptian courts issued 492 death sentences that year, with 23 executions carried out. The rights organisation noted that death sentences for drug trafficking and rape offences do not align with international law standards, which restrict capital punishment to intentional killing cases.