Kathmandu— A Cairo court has sentenced Egyptian TV presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 others to death by hanging for their involvement in a drug trafficking ring. Khalifa, 39, is best known for hosting the security and crime programme 'Mission Impossible' on Al-Mehwar TV. The case involved 28 defendants and more than 750kg of narcotics.

Conviction Details

The court found Khalifa and the 11 others guilty of forming an organised criminal gang that specialised in procuring materials used in manufacturing narcotics, with the intent to traffic them. Khalifa, a business owner and social media influencer, was also a co-defendant. Nine co-defendants were sentenced to life imprisonment, while seven were acquitted. The court consulted Egypt’s grand mufti for his non-binding religious opinion as required by law in capital cases.

Case Background

The investigation revealed that the gang imported raw materials from abroad to manufacture synthetic drugs, storing them in residential properties. Members divided roles between procurement, manufacturing, and distribution. Authorities seized unlicensed firearms and ammunition alongside the narcotics. Khalifa denied the charges, stating she had never smoked a cigarette in her life and declaring her innocence. She was arrested in April 2025 as part of the investigation.

Appeal Process

The verdict can be appealed before the Court of Cassation. Under recent judicial reforms, defendants have two avenues of appeal, beginning with a request for retrrial before an appeals court. Khalifa's case is expected to face a lengthy legal process, given the severity of the charges and the high-profile nature of the defendant.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.