Sarah Khalifa set to appeal death sentence amid controversy over Egypt drug case

Sarah Khalifa, a well-known Egyptian television personality, has been sentenced to death for her alleged involvement in a drugs trafficking network. The verdict, handed down in a Cairo courtroom, has sparked widespread debate and calls for an appeal. Khalifa, who has millions of followers on social media, was found guilty alongside 11 others of forming an organized criminal group that manufactured and trafficked synthetic narcotics, along with unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Nine of those convicted received life sentences, while seven were acquitted. Prosecutors claim Khalifa was the mastermind behind the operation, using her businesses as a cover to fund the illicit activities. She denies all charges, stating she has never used drugs or profited from them. The trial has been controversial, with footage of proceedings circulating online and many viewers believing the sentence to be excessively harsh.

Khalifa's lawyer claims procedural errors occurred during the trial, which he believes will be corrected during an appeal. The maximum sentence for the group was sought due to the severity of the crime and its impact on public safety. The specific drug in question, El Bodra, a synthetic cannabinoid, has become increasingly prevalent in Egyptian cities.

Khalifa rose to fame through her crime and public order show, Mission Impossible, and is also known for her marriage to footballer Mahmoud Abdel Moneim and her ventures in beauty and events planning. The final outcome of Khalifa's case remains uncertain, but her death sentence has raised concerns about transparency and potential legal precedents.