Egyptian TV Host Among 13 Facing Possible execution In Major Drug Case

Sarah Khalifa, an Egyptian television host and producer whose arrest shocked the nation last year, may join 12 others to face the death penalty in a major narcotics case. Documents regarding Khalifa and her 12 co-defendants were referred to Egypt’s Grand Mufti on August 4th for an opinion on whether to execute them. In Egypt, the Grand Mufti’s opinion must be sought before imposing a death sentence in court, although this opinion is non-binding.

The Criminal Court of Cairo, sitting in New Cairo’s Fifth Settlement, will pass judgment on all 28 individuals named in the referral upon getting an opinion from the Grand Mufti. Thus, no death sentences have been passed yet, despite reports suggesting the defendants have been sentenced to death.

In April 2025, Sarah Khalifa, aged 32 years, was arrested in Cairo at a luxurious home on suspicion of involvement in drug trafficking and manufacturing. According to prosecutors, she and other members of the crime group imported the raw chemicals used to manufacture synthetic drugs, manufactured them in Egypt, and sold them locally. The members of the group are also charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

It is alleged that the members split the roles between importing, manufacturing, and distribution of the drugs, using a home as the base for mixing and storage of the drugs. The authorities claim to have confiscated more than 750 kilograms (1,650 pounds) of narcotics and precursor materials, smuggled into Egypt as dietary supplements. According to court papers, the referral was made based on testimonies from 20 witnesses and forensic and digital evidence.

The prosecution alleged that Sarah Khalifa supported the network financially and traveled overseas to coordinate with the foreign partners. In June, prosecutors urged the court to impose the maximum penalty, which is the death penalty by hanging in Egypt.

The 32-year-old host and producer pleaded innocence to any knowledge of the drugs and activities of the group. According to her lawyers, the seized substances did not qualify as narcotics, while the arrest and search were illegal. Therefore, her lawyers urged for her acquittal.

Among the 13 individuals referred to the Grand Mufti for an opinion are Khalifa’s brother, a family of four (father, mother, son, and daughter), and an Iraqi national who is the first defendant and is at large. The 13 defendants had their assets frozen, while fugitives received a travel ban and an arrival alert.

Sarah Khalifa was a known presenter in Egypt and had about 3 million Instagram followers before her arrest. The woman appeared on the TV program Al Takya and was previously married to the footballer Mahmoud Kahraba. According to Tarek Saada, head of Egypt’s media professionals’ syndicate, she was not a member of the association and therefore was not registered as a broadcaster.

It is expected that the verdicts in another separate case will also be given on September 5th. Sarah Khalifa and three others are accused of retaining her ex-driver, assaulting him and filming him in her house. According to prosecutors, the incident took place in 2021 and only came to light after investigators discovered videos from her phone after her arrest on suspicion of drug crimes. However, Khalifa denies the accusation, while her lawyer has questioned the competence of the court, since Khalifa does not have property where the assault allegedly took place.

Thus, if the defendants are sentenced to death on September 5th, the sentence will not be immediate. Capital sentences in Egypt are automatically referred to the Court of Cassation, while the defendants have the right to appeal.

Egypt is known for having many executions. In May, Amnesty International reported that 23 people were executed in Egypt in 2025, nearly twice as many as in 2024. In addition, the courts passed 492 death sentences, 35% higher than in the previous year. At least 12 of the sentences were for drug crimes. According to Amnesty International, death penalties for drug crimes are a violation of international standards, according to which the death penalty should only apply to the most serious crimes of intentional killing. The absence of guarantees of a fair trial characterizes Egyptian trials. Egyptian officials justify the death penalty as a deterrent, and prosecutors claim that the network pursued enormous profits at the cost of public health.