TV presenter among 11 sentenced to death in Egypt drugs case

Television presenter Sarah Khalifa, 39, is among 11 individuals sentenced to death in an Egypt drug case, according to state-owned al-Ahram newspaper. The accused were part of a criminal gang accused of importing narcotics ingredients with the intent to sell them. Additionally, they possessed illegal firearms and munitions. Khalifa, known for her TV show "Mission Impossible," has denied the charges. Nine others received life sentences, while seven were acquitted. Khalifa's legal counsel plans to appeal the death sentence.

The verdict, initially announced last month, was confirmed a month later after obtaining a religious opinion from the grand mufti of Egypt, a requirement for death sentences in Egypt. Prosecutors presented evidence of over 750kg of narcotics and raw materials used to make them. Twenty witnesses testified, and electronic evidence, including conversations and video clips, was introduced.

Khalifa claimed she had never seen drugs before being photographed with them inside an anti-narcotics agency office during a court appearance.

Amnesty International reported 492 death sentences in 2025, with 23 executions. The defendants were convicted of drug trafficking and rape, crimes not considered "intentional killing" under international law.