CAIRO, EGYPT — Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa has been sentenced to death by hanging along with 11 other defendants in a major drug case, according to Egypt’s state-owned Al-Ahram newspaper.
The Cairo Criminal Court convicted the group of forming an organized criminal operation involved in obtaining materials used to manufacture synthetic narcotics for trafficking. The case also involved allegations of possessing and carrying firearms and ammunition without licenses.
Authorities reportedly seized more than 750 kilograms of narcotics and drug-production materials during the investigation. Prosecutors also presented witness testimony along with video, audio and photographic evidence.
Khalifa, 39, is known for hosting the crime and security-focused television program “Mission Impossible.” She has maintained her innocence and denied the allegations against her. Her lawyer has said the defense intends to appeal the death sentence.
The court handed down life sentences to nine additional defendants, while seven others were acquitted, according to reports.
The death sentences are not necessarily the final outcome of the case, as the defendants have the right to challenge the ruling through Egypt’s legal appeals process.
The case has drawn widespread attention in Egypt because of Khalifa’s public profile and the severity of the allegations and punishment.
