An Egyptian court has sentenced television presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 others to death by hanging after convicting them in a major narcotics case involving more than 750 kilogrammes of drugs and raw materials used in their production.
The Cairo Criminal Court found the defendants guilty of forming an organised criminal gang involved in procuring materials for the manufacture and trafficking of synthetic drugs, according to state-linked Al-Ahram and other Egyptian media reports.
Khalifa, 39, is a well-known Egyptian television personality who hosted Mission Impossible, a programme focused on security and crime on Al-Mehwar TV.
She also runs businesses, including a cosmetic surgery clinic and an events company, and has more than two million followers on Instagram.
The case involved 28 defendants. Nine others were sentenced to life imprisonment, while seven were acquitted, according to reports.
Prosecutors alleged that the group imported raw materials from abroad for the production of synthetic narcotics, stored them in residential properties and subsequently manufactured and distributed the drugs.
Investigators reportedly seized more than 750 kilogrammes of narcotics and production materials, as well as discovering two apartments allegedly used as clandestine laboratories. Unlicensed firearms and ammunition were also recovered, according to the prosecution’s case.
Throughout the investigation, Khalifa denied the allegations and maintained her innocence. Egyptian media reported that she broke down in tears during the court session and pleaded for mercy.
The death sentences followed consultation with Egypt’s Grand Mufti, a procedure required in capital cases. However, the ruling is not yet final and is subject to appeal.
The verdict has attracted significant attention because of Khalifa’s public profile as a television presenter, particularly her work on a programme dealing with crime and security issues.
