Egypt sentences TV presenter, 11 others to death

An Egyptian court has sentenced popular television presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 other defendants to death by hanging for their involvement in an organized drug trafficking and manufacturing gang. The verdict was confirmed late Saturday, September 5, 2026. Khalifa, 39, is widely known for hosting the security and crime-focused television program "Mission Impossible." She also owns a cosmetic surgery clinic and an event planning company. The Cairo court found Khalifa and the co-defendants guilty of forming a criminal group that procured materials for manufacturing narcotics with the intent to traffic them. They were also convicted of possessing and carrying unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The case reportedly stemmed from a significant investigation into the alleged production and distribution of synthetic drugs. Authorities seized over 750 kilograms of narcotics and raw materials, and discovered two apartments believed to have been used as drug production laboratories. Unlicensed firearms and ammunition were also confiscated.