Egyptian TV Host Sentenced to Death in Drug Trafficking Case

Cairo's Criminal Court handed down death sentences by hanging to television presenter Sarah Khalifa, 39, and 11 other defendants on Sept. 5, alongside a fine of 500,000 Egyptian pounds (about $9,800). The court also imposed nine life-imprisonment terms and acquitted seven individuals, while two suspects remain at large. All convicted parties may appeal the rulings to the Court of Cassation, Egypt's highest judicial body.

According to the state-run newspaper al-Ahram, Khalifa was among 28 people charged with forming an organized criminal group that imported raw materials for synthetic narcotics, produced and trafficked the drugs, and possessed unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Prosecutors said the investigation uncovered more than 750 kilograms of synthetic narcotics and related precursors, and relied on testimony from 20 witnesses as well as messages, photographs and video evidence.

Khalifa, who hosts a crime- and security-focused TV program and runs a beauty clinic, denied the accusations. Her lawyer told the BBC that she intends to appeal the death sentence.