Egypt sentences TV presenter, 11 others to death in drug trafficking case

Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 other defendants were sentenced to death by hanging by a Cairo court for allegedly forming a criminal gang that manufactured and trafficked synthetic drugs. Prosecutors said the network imported manufacturing materials, operated two drug laboratories and possessed unlicensed firearms and ammunition; authorities reportedly seized more than 750 kilograms of drugs and raw materials. Nine additional defendants received life sentences and seven were acquitted in the 28-defendant case. The court also imposed five-year prison terms on Khalifa and others in a separate kidnapping and assault case. The death sentences followed consultation with Egypt’s Grand Mufti and remain subject to appeal.