Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa has been sentenced to death by hanging on charges including manufacturing, promoting, and trading synthetic drugs, as well as illegal possession of firearms. Khalifa, 39, was convicted by a Cairo court alongside 11 other defendants.
Local media reported that Khalifa, known for her role in the crime and security program 'Mission Impossible', pleaded for mercy during the sentencing, exclaiming, "I swear to Almighty God, with the strongest oath, that I have been wronged." Dramatic footage purportedly from the trial showed her weeping and begging for "mercy and humanity," and mentioning she was suffering from a tumor.
Under Egyptian law, the court consulted the Grand Mufti for his religious opinion before issuing the death sentence, a mandatory procedure in capital cases. The verdict is subject to appeal and is not yet final.
The public prosecution stated that investigators seized over 750 kilograms of synthetic narcotics and raw materials from two apartments allegedly used as laboratories. The estimated market value of the manufactured drugs exceeded one billion Egyptian pounds. The initial seizure in April 2025 included approximately 200 kilograms of narcotics, raw materials, gold jewelry, foreign and local currency, and five cars, valued at an estimated 420 million pounds.
In addition to the death sentences, nine other defendants received life imprisonment, while seven were acquitted. Khalifa, who has a significant following on social media platforms where she advertises her cosmetic surgery clinic, was arrested in April of the previous year. She also owns a production company, 'Sarah Production', and was involved in organizing events and concerts. She co-hosted a YouTube program in 2024 called 'Sarah and Beka'.
Khalifa also received a five-year prison sentence in a separate case involving the kidnapping and assault of a young man. Two additional defendants remain at large and are subject to travel bans and watch lists.
The death penalty in Egypt is applied to severe crimes, including terrorism, premeditated murder, rape, and drug trafficking. Reports from human rights organizations suggest that death sentences have been imposed following trials that did not meet international fairness standards, with over 500 death sentences issued last year and 23 executions carried out.