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Egyptian TV star sentenced to death by hanging over drug charges makes statement
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A Cairo court handed down a death sentence to Egyptian television personality Sarah Khalifa on Saturday. The ruling came after authorities accused her of involvement in a major drug trafficking network.
The high-profile court decision has sent shockwaves through the regional media industry, given her massive social media presence and background as an entertainment host.
She has since issued a heartbreaking statement, saying, "I have been wronged," as reported by CNN.
Khalifa, who boasts 2.5 million followers on Instagram, was sentenced alongside 11 other co-defendants. In addition to facing execution by hanging, each convicted individual received a fine of 500,000 Egyptian pounds, which equals roughly $9,800.
Cairo’s Criminal Court pronounced the severe penalty following an extensive investigation into an organized criminal enterprise operating within the country.
During the court proceedings, footage began circulating on social media showing Khalifa breaking down in tears. As the verdict came down, she pleaded for mercy and humanity while maintaining her complete innocence regarding the narcotics operation.
Desperate to defend herself against the capital charge, she delivered an emotional plea to the courtroom: "I have never smoked a cigarette in my life. I swear to Almighty God, with the strongest oath, that I have been wronged."
Charges and court evidence
The criminal court outlined heavy accusations against the group of 12 defendants. Prosecutors alleged that Khalifa and her associates formed an organized gang focused on importing raw chemical substances from abroad.
These materials were allegedly brought into Egypt specifically to manufacture synthetic narcotics for widespread distribution and commercial sale. The group also faced charges related to the illegal possession of unlicensed firearms.
Investigators stated that different members of the network had specific roles assigned to them across various production stages.
During the raid of a residential property used for manufacturing and storage, law enforcement officers seized 750 kilograms of synthetic narcotics alongside other raw materials.
Prosecutors built the state's case using evidence gathered from 20 witness testimonies, alongside documented phone conversations, digital photographs, and video clips.
While 12 people received death sentences, nine others were sentenced to life imprisonment, and seven defendants were acquitted of all charges.
Profile of the host
Before her arrest, Khalifa was a well-known figure in Egyptian media circles. Outside of her television career, she managed her own beauty clinic and hosted a popular entertainment show alongside musician Hamo Bika. Her large social media footprint made her one of the most visible personalities involved in the trial.
Capital punishment in the region remains a frequent topic of debate among international human rights groups. According to data published by Amnesty International, Egyptian courts handed down 492 death sentences in 2025 alone, marking one of the highest recorded figures globally.
The state carried out 23 executions during that same year. Legal representatives for Khalifa have not yet publicly detailed their next steps regarding potential legal appeals.