The Cairo Criminal Court sentenced on 5 September 39-year-old presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 another people to death by hanging on the production and synthetic drug trade. 9 people were sentenced to life imprisonment, 7 were acquitted. The conviction is not final, the defence has announced an appeal, so the execution is not now doomed.
Drug Judgment
Sarah Khalifa was known for moving a crime and safety program at a private Al-Mehwar station. The Cairo court found her and 11 co-defendants guilty of forming an organized group, bringing material into the production of synthetic drugs and their trafficking.
According to an account based on information from the Egyptian paper “Al-Ahram” Over 750 kilograms of drugs and natural materials, as well as illegal weapons and ammunition, have been secured in the 28-person investigation. 9 defendants were sentenced to life imprisonment, 7 were acquitted.
Defense announces appeal
Khalifa didn't plead guilty to the charges. Her lawyer Mohamed El-Gendy announced an appeal and the usage of available legal resources. A higher court may maintain, mitigate or revoke a ruling.
Before the judgement was given, the court sought the non-binding opinion of the large mufti of Egypt, required by the procedure there in cases where the death punishment could be imposed. By the end of the appeal proceedings, the case shall stay open.
Source: Al Jazeera and AFP, Euronews.
