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

Sarah Khalifa, a long-time television personality and businesswoman, was recently sentenced to death by hanging in a Cairo courtroom, alongside 11 others accused of being part of a drugs network. Despite widespread public criticism deeming her sentence too severe, Khalifa has vowed to appeal the conviction, citing procedural legal errors during the trial.

Her lawyer, Mohamed El Gendy, claims court officials made significant legal mistakes, and the court's verdict will be cancelled at the appeal stage. The court found Khalifa and her co-defendants guilty of forming an organized criminal group that imported chemicals, manufactured synthetic narcotics, and trafficked the product, as well as unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Nine received life sentences, while seven were acquitted. Prosecutors argued Khalifa was the "manager, funder, and dealmaker" of the criminal formation, linking members inside and outside the country. They requested the maximum sentence, citing the gravity of their actions and the harm caused. The substance in question was a synthetic cannabinoid known as El Bodra, a designer drug that has recently spread through Egyptian cities.

Khalifa has denied all charges since her arrest in April 2025, claiming she has "never smoked a cigarette in my life" and was unaware of the narcotics. Many details surrounding the case remain undisclosed, leading to calls for increased transparency. Khalifa, known for her crime-show hosting and beauty clinic, could face a precedent-setting execution based on undisclosed evidence, sparking concerns about the fairness of the justice system.