A criminal court in Egypt has handed down death sentences to 12 individuals, including television presenter Sarah Khalifa, for their roles in a drug trafficking ring. The group was convicted of importing raw materials intended for the production of narcotics, as well as the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

The 39-year-old presenter, known for hosting the crime-focused program Mission Impossible, has maintained her innocence throughout the proceedings. During a court appearance last September, Khalifa testified that she had no contact with the illicit substances until she was photographed with them while in the custody of anti-narcotics authorities.

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The legal process required the court to seek a religious opinion from Egypt's grand mufti, a mandatory step for capital cases in the country. The verdict, which remains subject to appeal, follows the seizure of over 750kg of narcotics and manufacturing components. Prosecutors supported their case with testimony from 20 witnesses and digital evidence, including video footage and recorded communications.

The use of capital punishment in Egypt has drawn scrutiny from human rights organizations. A 2025 report from Amnesty International noted that while 492 death sentences were issued in the country over the year, 23 were carried out. The organization has previously criticized the application of the death penalty for offenses that do not involve intentional homicide.

Source: BBC News