Famous presenter Khalifa sentenced to death in Egypt for drug trafficking

A criminal court in Cairo sentenced 12 people, including Khalifa, to death in the case where a total of 28 defendants were tried. While nine defendants were sentenced to life imprisonment, seven people were acquitted.

Khalifa, known for hosting one of the most watched crime programs in the country, has denied the accusations against him from the beginning. His lawyers announced that they would object to the death sentence.

"I HAVE NEVER SMOKED IN MY LIFE..."

According to the New York Post, Khalifa cried after the verdict was read and begged the court to listen to him.

"Please listen to me, sir," Khalifa said and continued:

"My family raised me well. They are religious people. I don't need drug money."

The presenter, who has more than two million followers on his social media accounts, claimed that he has "never smoked even a single cigarette" in his life.

MORE THAN 750 POUNDS OF DRUGS

Khalifa was detained in April 2025 as part of the investigation into the alleged drug trafficking network.

Authorities seized more than 750 kilograms of drugs during the investigation. While it was claimed that the two residences were used as laboratories for drug production, unlicensed firearms and ammunition were also found during the searches.

According to the prosecutor's office, the defendants formed an organized criminal group to obtain substances used in drug production and use them for trading purposes.

Khalifa's lawyers argued that their client had never seen the drugs in question until he was taken into custody, and that he first saw the drugs when he was photographed with them while in custody.

COMPANIES IT OWNES ARE ON THE AGENDA

In addition to his television career, Khalifa also owns a plastic surgery clinic and event production company.

The death sentence had been announced before, but in accordance with the procedure in Egypt, the file was sent to the opinion of the Grand Mufti of Egypt. The opinion given by the Grand Mufti in capital cases is a legal recommendation and is not binding on the court. The court then finalized the sentences.

However, the fact that the decision is open to appeal does not mean that the death sentences of Khalifa and other defendants will be implemented immediately. The legal process in Egypt can take months, and in some cases years.

THERE ARE OTHER FILES TOO

Prison sentences were also given for Khalifa due to other charges.

According to Al Jazeera, the presenter was sentenced to three years in prison for attacking his driver and filming the attack. The Guardian reported that a five-year prison sentence was given in another case linked to the kidnapping and beating of a young man.

IS DEATH PRACTICED IN EGYPT?

In Egypt, the death penalty can be imposed for some serious crimes, including drug trafficking, terrorism and premeditated murder.

Death penalties in the country have long been the subject of criticism from human rights organizations. Organizations such as Amnesty International have raised concerns about death sentences being handed down following what they consider unfair trials.

According to the data of the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms cited by The Guardian, 541 death sentences were recorded in the country throughout 2025.

The appeal process for the decision regarding Sarah Khalifa and other defendants continues.