An Egyptian courtroom has sentenced 12 folks, together with tv presenter Sarah Khalifa, to loss of life after convicting them on drug expenses.They have been a part of a “legal gang” that imported elements used to fabricate medicine on the market. They have been additionally present in possession of unlawful firearms and ammunition, BBC reported citing state-owned Al-Ahram newspaper.Though the decision was introduced final month, it was solely confirmed now after the courtroom obtained a spiritual opinion from Egypt’s grand mufti, fulfilling a authorized requirement in loss of life instances.The decision is topic to attraction.
The trial
Throughout the trial, the courtroom heard that authorities had seized greater than 750kg (1,653lbs) of narcotics, together with uncooked supplies imported to fabricate them.Twenty witnesses gave statements to prosecutors, whereas digital proof included conversations and video clips.The defendants have been convicted of drug trafficking and rape — “crimes that didn’t quantity to ‘intentional killing’ to which the usage of the loss of life penalty have to be restricted beneath worldwide legislation and requirements.”
Who’s Sarah Khalifa
The 39-year-old presenter, who has denied the fees, is finest identified for her tv programme Mission Not possible, which targeted on crime-related points.Throughout a courtroom listening to in September final 12 months, Khalifa was questioned by the decide about her alleged involvement within the case. She mentioned she had by no means seen any medicine till she was photographed with them contained in the anti-narcotics authority’s workplaces.In response to a 2025 report by Amnesty Worldwide, Egyptian courts handed down 492 loss of life sentences throughout the 12 months, whereas 23 folks have been executed.
Disclaimer: Views expressed above are the writer’s personal.
