Egyptian TV presenter Sarah Khalifa among 12 sentenced to death in drugs case

Sarah Khalifa has denied the charges An Egyptian court has sentenced 12 people, including television presenter Sarah Khalifa, to death after convicting them on drug charges.They were part of a “criminal gang” that imported ingredients used to manufacture drugs for sale. They were also found in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, BBC reported citing state-owned Al-Ahram newspaper.Although the verdict was announced last month, it was only confirmed now after the court obtained a religious opinion from Egypt's grand mufti, fulfilling a legal requirement in death cases.The verdict is subject to appeal.The trialDuring the trial, the court heard that authorities had seized more than 750kg (1,653lbs) of narcotics, along with raw materials imported to manufacture them.Twenty witnesses gave statements to prosecutors, while electronic evidence included conversations and video clips.The defendants were convicted of drug trafficking and rape — “crimes that did not amount to ‘intentional killing’ to which the use of the death penalty must be restricted under international law and standards.”Who is Sarah KhalifaThe 39-year-old presenter, who has denied the charges, is best known for h...