Egyptian TV presenter Sarah Khalifa sentenced to ‘death by hanging’ over drug case in Cairo
An Egyptian TV presenter has been sentenced to death after being convicted of participating in an organised criminal gang to manufacture and traffic drugs.
Sarah Khalifa, 39, is among 12 people who face “death by hanging” after a Cairo court delivered a guilty verdict on multiple charges relating to forming a gang to procure materials used to make and distribute narcotics, according to state-linked Al-Ahram newspaper.
A Cairo court has sentenced Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa to “death by hanging”. Instagram/@sara_khaliifa
Al-Ahram reports authorities seized 750 kilograms of narcotics and raw materials and claimed to have found two apartments used as laboratories, along with unlicensed guns and ammunition.
According to a post on X, Khalifa reportedly professed her innocence in court by yelling, “I’ve never smoked a cigarette in my life, Your Honour. I’m begging you for mercy, I swear to God, I’m innocent.”
Khalifa is well-known in Egypt for hosing a local television show named Mission Impossible, which follows crime cases.
She also owns a cosmetic surgery clinic and an event company and is popular online, with 2.5 million followers on Instagram.
Egyptian courts generally apply the death sentences on charges relating to murder, terrorism, rape and drug trafficking.
Khalifa is well-known in Egypt for hosting a local crime show called Mission Impossible. Instagram/@sara_khaliifa
Human rights group Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) reports has been at least 10 executions in Egypt so far in 2026.
The verdict is subject to an appeal in the Court of Cassation, which is Egypt’s highest court.
Khalifa was also sentenced to five years prison over an unrelated case regarding the kidnapping and assault of a young man.
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