Who is Sara Khalifa? TV presenter who claimed she had ‘never smoked a cigarette in her life’ sentenced to death in drug case | Today’s news
An Egyptian court has handed down death sentences to TV presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 other people for their involvement in a major drug-trafficking and manufacturing network, the BBC reported.
What are the allegations against Sarah Khalifa?
State-run Al-Ahram reported that a court convicted Khalifa and other defendants of being members of an organized crime group accused of importing raw materials into Egypt from overseas to manufacture synthetic drugs for distribution.
Prosecutors alleged that the network divided responsibilities among its members, with some involved in importing the materials, others in manufacturing the drugs, and others responsible for distributing them.
During the investigation, authorities reportedly seized more than 750 kg of narcotics and substances believed to have been used in drug production. Investigators also found two apartments allegedly converted into drug labs, as well as unlicensed weapons and ammunition.
What was the verdict of the court?
In addition to the 12 death sentences, the court gave nine other defendants life sentences and seven people were acquitted.
Khalifa’s lawyer said an appeal would be filed against her death sentence. The verdict was first issued last month, but required formal confirmation based on the religious opinion of Egypt’s Grand Mufti, as required by the country’s procedure for death penalty cases.
Sarah Khalifa denies drug allegations
Khalifa denied the charges and continued to maintain her innocence.
During a court hearing last September, she reportedly told a judge that she had never encountered drugs before being photographed with them at the offices of Egypt’s anti-narcotics agency. She also told investigators that she had never smoked a cigarette in her life.
Egyptian media reported that Khalifa became upset in court and asked the judge for leniency.
“Please listen to me sir. My parents raised me well; they are praying people and I don’t need drug money,” she said.
Evidence presented by prosecutors
According to Al-Ahram, prosecutors relied on the testimony of 20 witnesses as well as technical and digital material. This included messages, photos and videos that they claimed showed the group’s alleged activities.
Khalifa was arrested in Cairo in April 2025 during an investigation. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued later that year.
Who is Sarah Khalifa?
Khalifa, 39, is known for presenting Mission Impossible, a TV program on security and crime-related issues. He also runs a cosmetic surgery clinic and a party and event production company, according to AFP.
