Egyptian broadcaster and influencer sentenced to death after gang, drug convictions

Egyptian TV presenter and social media influencer Sara Khalifa, 39, was sentenced to death by hanging for her involvement in an organized crime gang that imported chemicals for illegal drug manufacturing and trafficking. Khalifa, known for hosting “Mission Impossible” and with 2.5 million Instagram followers, was convicted alongside 11 others after authorities discovered drug labs in two Cairo apartments during raids last year, seizing over 750 kg of synthetic drugs, chemicals, weapons, and ammunition. Prosecutors alleged Khalifa financed the cartel and communicated with international crime bosses, presenting 20 testimonies and digital evidence. Khalifa denies the allegations, and the verdict is subject to appeal. In a separate case, she also received a five-year prison sentence for kidnapping and assault.