Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa, 39, has been sentenced to death by a Cairo criminal court after being convicted of drug trafficking and related offences, state-owned Al-Ahram reported.
Khalifa was convicted alongside 11 other defendants in a case involving the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs. Prosecutors alleged that the group formed an organized criminal network to procure raw materials used in drug manufacturing and to traffic the substances. The group also faced accusations of illegally possessing and transporting firearms and ammunition.
Khalifa is known for presenting the crime-focused television programme "Mission Impossible," which addresses criminality and security issues. Beyond her television work, she owns a cosmetics clinic and an event-planning company.
The court processed 28 people in total in connection with the case. Nine defendants received life sentences, while seven were acquitted. The death sentences were initially issued last month but required confirmation following a religious opinion from Egypt's Grand Mufti, as mandated under Egyptian law for capital cases.
Khalifa has denied the charges against her. Her lawyer stated that she would appeal the death sentence through the appropriate judicial channels.
Authorities seized more than 750 kilograms of narcotics and materials allegedly intended for drug production, according to Al-Ahram. Prosecutors presented statements from 20 witnesses during the proceedings.