Egyptian Court Sentences TV Presenter to Death for Drugs

An Egyptian court has sentenced television presenter Sarah Khalifa, 39, and 11 co-defendants to death by hanging after they were found guilty of drug charges. The verdict was confirmed following a required religious review by the country's grand mufti.

Khalifa, who hosted the crime-focused program *Mission Impossible*, denied all charges against her, asserting that she only encountered drugs when photographed with them at the anti-narcotics authority’s offices. The group was convicted for being part of a criminal gang that imported raw materials for drug production and faced additional charges for illegal firearms possession.

Nine other defendants received life sentences, while seven were acquitted. The court's ruling was initially announced a month prior to its formal confirmation.

Authorities recovered over 750 kilograms of narcotics during the investigation, supported by statements from 20 witnesses and electronic evidence. Khalifa's lawyer confirmed plans to appeal the death sentence.