An Egyptian television presenter has been sentenced to death by hanging alongside 11 other people in a major drug case.
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Sarah Khalifa, 39, and the 11 other defendants faced a series of drug-related charges and have now been convicted.
Local media reports claim that they were part of a criminal gang that imported ingredients used to manufacture drugs with the intention of selling them.
Authorities also reportedly found the group in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
Television Presenter Sentenced to Death by Hanging
The court initially reached its verdict last month. However, confirmation came weeks later after it obtained a religious opinion from Egypt's grand mufti.
This is a legal requirement in cases where the court intends to impose a death sentence.
Nine other defendants received life sentences, while the court acquitted seven.
Following the verdict, Khalifa's lawyer, Mohamed El-Gendy, confirmed that she would appeal the death sentence.
The 39-year-old is best known for presenting the television program "Mission Impossible," which focused on crime-related issues.
During the high-profile case, prosecutors revealed that authorities had seized more than 750kg (1,653lbs) of narcotics, along with imported raw materials allegedly intended for drug production.
Twenty witnesses provided statements to prosecutors, while electronic evidence presented in the case reportedly included conversations and video clips.
Sarah Khalifa Denies Involvement as Appeal Looms
Local reports claim that Khalifa denied any involvement during a court appearance last September, insisting that she had never seen any drugs.
However, photographic evidence later emerged that reportedly showed her with the drugs inside the offices of the anti-narcotics authority.
Khalifa's brother, Mohamed, was also among those sentenced to death. The defendants additionally received fines of 500,000 Egyptian pounds, equivalent to nearly $10,000.
El-Gendy said the defense would appeal the ruling and pursue all available legal avenues as the case continues.
Reports state that a higher criminal court can reconsider the evidence and each defendant's individual role before deciding whether to uphold, reduce or overturn their sentences.
The defendants could also potentially pursue a further challenge before Egypt's Court of Cassation.
The case began in April 2025, and with Khalifa's legal team preparing to challenge the verdict, the proceedings are set to continue.
