Egypt sentences TV presenter and 11 others to death in drugs case

In a recent drug-related case, Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa, along with 11 others, has been sentenced to death by Cairo Criminal Court. The defendants were found guilty of being part of an organized criminal group that manufactured and trafficked synthetic drugs. Ms Khalifa, 39, is a media figure known for her crime-related program and has denied the allegations.

The case involved 28 defendants in total. Prosecutors claimed the group functioned through distinct roles, with some handling importation, others manufacturing, and others distribution. Over 750kg of synthetic narcotics and related materials were seized by authorities. The group allegedly stored these in a residential property and used it for production.

Besides drug charges, the defendants were found guilty of possessing firearms and ammunition without proper licenses. The prosecution relied on witness statements, technical evidence, and digital communications. Ms Khalifa told the judge during a September court appearance that she had never seen drugs before being photographed with them in the anti-narcotics authority's offices.

She maintained her innocence. Two defendants remain at large and are under travel bans. The death sentences require the Grand Mufti's opinion, though this is merely advisory. The verdict was confirmed after the court received the Mufti's advisory opinion. The defendants have the right to appeal to Egypt's highest court. The death penalty is used for various serious crimes in Egypt, though executions must go through further judicial procedures.