Egypt TV presenter Sarah Khalifa sentenced to death in drugs case

Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa has been sentenced to death by hanging after being found guilty of importing narcotics ingredients with intent to sell, along with 11 other defendants. The verdict, first announced last month, was formally confirmed after the court obtained a required religious opinion from Egypt's grand mufti.

Who is Sarah Khalifa?

Khalifa, 39, is best known for hosting the TV programme Mission Impossible, which focused on crime stories. During court proceedings she denied any involvement with drugs, telling the judge she had never seen narcotics until she was photographed with them inside Egypt's anti-narcotics authority offices.

Evidence and co-defendants

Authorities seized more than 750 kilograms of narcotics and raw materials for their production. The state-owned al-Ahram newspaper reported 20 witness statements and electronic evidence including messages and video clips. Nine co-defendants received life sentences; seven were acquitted.

Appeal and human rights context

Khalifa's lawyer confirmed she will appeal the verdict. Amnesty International's 2025 report documented 492 death sentences in Egypt that year, with 23 executions carried out. The organisation noted the defendants were convicted of drug trafficking and rape — offences that should not meet the threshold for the death penalty under international law standards.