Egyptian journalist gets death sentence

Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa has been sentenced to death after being convicted of drug trafficking and other offences.

Khalifa, aged 39, was among 12 defendants handed the death penalty after being found guilty of involvement in a criminal group accused of importing raw materials used to manufacture drugs.

Prosecutors further accused the group of possessing illegal firearms and ammunition.

However, Khalifa, who is known for presenting the crime programme Mission Impossible, has denied all the charges against her.Her lawyer has said the defence will appeal the death sentence, seeking to overturn the conviction and penalty.

The death sentences were initially issued last month but were confirmed this week following a religious opinion from Egypt’s Grand Mufti, a step required under Egyptian law before death penalties can be formally confirmed in capital cases.

Meanwhile, nine other defendants were sentenced to life imprisonment, while seven were acquitted.