Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa has been sentenced to death by hanging after being convicted in one of the country’s biggest drug cases.
A Cairo court imposed the death penalty on the 39-year-old presenter and 11 other defendants after finding them guilty of forming an organised criminal group to produce and traffic drugs.
Egyptian media have described the case as a “major drug case”. The final verdict was issued after consultation with Egypt’s Grand Mufti, as required in death penalty cases in the country.
Charges over synthetic drug production
According to the indictment, Khalifa and the other defendants were accused of setting up a network to obtain materials used to manufacture synthetic drugs for sale.
Authorities said more than 750kg of drugs and raw materials were seized during the investigation. Premises allegedly used as laboratories were also found, along with unlicensed weapons and ammunition.
Television career and business activities
Khalifa became known to Egyptian audiences through the programme Mission Impossible, which focused on security and crime-related issues.
Alongside her television work, she ran a cosmetic surgery clinic and an events production company.
Khalifa denied the charges, saying she had no connection to drugs and had seen them for the first time when authorities showed her photographs of them.
Verdict can be appealed
The case is not yet closed despite the conviction, as the defendants have the right to appeal the ruling.
Egypt applies the death penalty for certain serious offences, including terrorism, murder and drug trafficking.
