An Egyptian court sentences broadcaster Sarah Khalifa and 11 others to death in a major drug case

An Egyptian court sentenced former TV presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 other people to death on charges of manufacturing and trafficking in narcotic substances, in the case known as “Major Drugs,” according to what was reported by various Egyptian media outlets.

The Egyptian Al-Ahram newspaper explained: “The Cairo Criminal Court ruled to punish artistic producer Sarah Khalifa and 11 other defendants with death by hanging, on charges of forming an organized criminal gang that specialized in bringing materials used in the manufacture of narcotic substances, with the intention of trafficking, and of obtaining and possessing firearms and ammunition without a license.”

The German magazine "Der Spiegel" indicated that investigators seized more than 750 kilograms of narcotic drugs, firearms, and unlicensed ammunition. She added that prosecutions in the case began last year.

The pronouncement of this ruling comes after the court referred the case papers to the Mufti of the Republic in order to “examine the legitimate opinion,” a procedure required by Egyptian law. It is noteworthy that the ruling remains subject to appeal.

It is noteworthy that Egypt applies the death penalty for crimes including terrorism, premeditated murder, and some crimes of rape and drug trafficking.

Sarah defends herself

On the other hand, Sarah Khalifa denied the accusations against her, as she appeared in a video clip from inside the court confirming that she was “oppressed.”

Sarah said: “I have never smoked a cigarette in my life. I swear to God Almighty that I am wronged. I swear to God Almighty that I am wronged.” She added: "President, what will I be tried for? Because I help. I will be held accountable for my magnanimity with people. I only ask you for mercy and humanity."

Who is Sarah Khalifa?

Sarah Khalifa saw the light in the city of Cairo in 1994. She began her path in the media field early. Then she moved to the Iraqi Al-Sharqiya channel, where she worked on presenting artistic and entertainment programs, according to what the BBC reported.

Khalifa Sarah was also famous for the “Difficult Mission” program on the private “Al-Mehwar” channel, where she addressed security and criminal issues. In addition, Sarah presented several programs via online platforms. Sarah is followed by millions on her Instagram account. It is noteworthy that Sarah Khalifa also owns a beauty center and a production company for organizing parties and events.

Great interaction on social media

The death sentence against Sarah Khalifa sparked great interaction on social media. Some expressed their surprise at Sarah's "involvement" in a "network for importing, manufacturing, and trafficking in narcotic substances," especially since she was famous and earned "large amounts of money" from her work in hosting parties.

Also, a person wrote on the social networking site “Facebook” saying: “A terrifying story... a 32-year-old young woman... got the fame she wanted... she worked as a broadcaster... How many Sarah Khalifa lives among us and is willing to do anything for money.”

As for the Lebanese journalist, Nidal Al-Ahmadiyya, she wrote on her personal Facebook account saying: “Do not kill Sarah Khalifa.”

She added: "I don't know why I felt angry and afraid when I received the news. Executing and killing a human being is always linked to the helpless and helpless, and not to the great state of Egypt."

Edited by: Hassan Zenand