An Egyptian court has sentenced a 39-year-old TV presenter and influencer Saru Khalifa to the death penalty by hanging in a case involving synthetic drugs. She was found guilty of participating in a group linked to the production and distribution of such substances. Khalifa denies the charges; her lawyer has stated his intention to appeal against the verdict, which cannot be carried out until the appeal proceedings have been concluded.
Briefly about the main points
- Saru Khalifa was sentenced to death by hanging.
- She denies the charges, and the defence is preparing an appeal.
- The case involved 28 defendants, each of whom received a different sentence.
- During searches in Cairo, over 750 kilograms of substances were seized.
- Among those sentenced to death is the brother of the TV presenter, Mohamed Khalifa.
Various sentences were handed down to 28 defendants in the case
Twelve people were sentenced to death in this case. Nine were sentenced to life imprisonment, whilst seven were acquitted. Among those sentenced to death is the brother of a television presenter Mohamed Khalifa.
According to media reports, each of those sentenced to death was also fined 500,000 Egyptian pounds. Sarah Khalifa She previously presented the crime programme «Mission Impossible», which focused on crime and security issues.
The prosecution referred to the seized items and digital evidence
During searches in Cairo, law enforcement officers seized over 750 kilograms of substances, raw materials, weapons and ammunition. The Egyptian press reported that the investigation began in April 2025, and the first raids were carried out at two flats in the city.
As reported by Ahram Online, the indictment was based on the testimony of 20 people, correspondence, photographs and videos. The prosecution claimed that the members of the alleged network had specific roles, particularly in the procurement, manufacture, storage and distribution of substances. Defence lawyer Mohamed el-Gendi stated that he would use all available legal means to appeal against the verdict.
