Egyptian Court Sentences Television Presenter Sarah Khalifa to Death
An Egyptian court has sentenced 12 people to death, including television presenter Sarah Khalifa, who was tried on charges of drug trafficking and gang-related crimes.
A criminal court in Cairo, Egypt, has sentenced television presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 other defendants to death on charges of forming an organized crime syndicate to manufacture and traffic drugs.
Court Ruling and Death Sentences
The Cairo criminal court found the defendants guilty of establishing an organized crime group that procured materials used in the manufacture of narcotic substances and engaged in drug trafficking.
Defendants and Other Sentences
While a total of 28 defendants were tried in the case, nine defendants were sentenced to life imprisonment and seven were acquitted. More than 750 kilograms of narcotic substances were seized during the operation.
Sarah Khalifa's Defense
Denying the charges against her, 39-year-old presenter Sarah Khalifa stated that she had never smoked a cigarette in her life, claimed she was innocent, and asked the court for mercy.
Activities of the Criminal Syndicate
The prosecution reported that the suspects imported raw materials from abroad, stored them in residential properties, manufactured and distributed drugs, and that unlicensed firearms were also seized during the operation.
Legal Process and Appeal
The verdict, issued after obtaining the opinion of the Grand Mufti as required by legal procedures, is subject to appeal before the Court of Cassation, and the defendants also retain the right to request a retrial.