Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 co-defendants were sentenced to death by hanging after being convicted of drug trafficking, forming an organized criminal gang, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, Egyptian courts confirmed on September 5, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Khalifa, 39, is known for hosting the crime and security show Mission Impossible [1, 2].
Authorities seized more than 750 kilograms of narcotics and raw materials used in synthetic drug production. They also confiscated two apartments used as drug laboratories and various unlicensed weapons and ammunition linked to the defendants [1, 2, 3]. Prosecutors accused the group of importing raw materials from abroad to manufacture synthetic drugs for trafficking [1, 2].
The August 2026 verdict was announced last month, pending approval from Egypt's grand mufti, a legal requirement for death penalty cases. The court formally confirmed the sentences after obtaining the religious opinion on September 5 [1, 2, 3].
The trial involved 28 defendants in total, with 12—including Khalifa—sentenced to death, nine receiving life imprisonment, and seven acquitted [4, 5]. During proceedings, 20 witnesses testified and electronic evidence including conversations and video clips was presented [1, 6].
Khalifa denied all charges. At a September 2025 court appearance, she said, "I had never seen any drugs until I was photographed with them inside the anti-narcotics authority offices" and pleaded, "Please listen to me, sir. My parents raised me well; they are people who pray, and I don’t need drug money" [1, 4].
In a separate case, Khalifa was sentenced to five years in prison for kidnapping and assault of a young man [2, 7]. She owns a cosmetic and plastic surgery clinic and an event production company specializing in organizing parties [2, 8].
Egypt applies the death penalty for drug trafficking along with premeditated murder, terrorism, and certain rape offenses [2]. Human rights groups report Egypt issued over 500 death sentences in 2025, with Amnesty International citing 492 sentences and 23 executions [1, 2].
The verdict is subject to appeal, with options including retrial and appeal to the Court of Cassation [1, 2]. The legal process will continue as defendants and their lawyers consider their next steps.
