Egypt records 541 death sentences in 2025 amid drug crackdown
Egypt recorded 541 death sentences in 2025 amid ongoing drug trafficking prosecutions.
Event / Security
Egypt Drug Trafficking Crackdown
Egyptian court sentences television presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 others to death for drug manufacturing and trafficking operations. Over 750 kg of drugs and materials seized from laboratory apartments. Khalifa also faces separate conviction for kidnapping and assault.
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2026-09-06 to 2026-11-06 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 6 Sept, 12:15 UTC
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What happened
Sarah Khalifa is 39-year-old television presenter and businesswoman
Sarah Khalifa, 39 years old, is known for hosting the program "Mission Difficile" on the private channel al-Mehwar, which covers security and crime matters. She is also an entrepreneur and has hosted programs on online platforms, with approximately 2 million followers on Instagram.
Authorities seize over 750 kg of drugs and manufacturing materials
Egyptian authorities seized more than 750 kilograms of drugs and raw materials used in drug manufacturing, along with tools and machines, from two apartments that served as laboratories in connection with the criminal organization.
Egypt recorded 541 death sentences in 2025
According to the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms, an NGO, 541 death sentences were pronounced in Egypt during 2025.
Sarah Khalifa also sentenced to five years imprisonment for kidnapping and assault
In a separate case, Sarah Khalifa was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison for involvement in the kidnapping and assault of a young man.
Egyptian court sentences TV presenter Sarah Khalifa to death for drug trafficking
An Egyptian criminal court in Cairo sentenced television presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 others to death by hanging for forming a criminal organization specialized in importing substances used in drug manufacturing and selling them. The sentencing was announced on September 5, 2026.
Death sentence can still be appealed in Egyptian legal system
The verdict was pronounced after the court transmitted the case to Egypt's Grand Mufti for religious consultation as required by law. The convicted defendants retain the right to appeal their death sentences.
Sarah Khalifa also convicted on illegal weapons possession charges
Sarah Khalifa and her co-defendants were additionally convicted of illegal possession and detention of firearms and ammunition as part of their criminal organization activities.
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Egyptian court convicts TV presenter Khalifa on drug trafficking charges
Egyptian TV presenter Sarah Khalifa convicted of drug trafficking, sentenced to death with appeal available.