Khalifa, 39, was accused of being a member of a criminal group involved in importing raw materials allegedly used to manufacture drugs for distribution.
Prosecutors also accused the group of possessing illegal firearms and ammunition during the operation.
The presenter, who gained recognition for hosting the crime program Mission Impossible, has consistently denied the allegations. Her lawyer has said Khalifa will appeal the death sentence.
The court handed life imprisonment to nine other defendants, while seven people were acquitted.
The death sentences were initially announced last month but required confirmation after Egypt’s Grand Mufti issued a religious opinion, a procedure required under Egyptian law for capital punishment cases.
Authorities reportedly seized more than 750kg of narcotics and materials allegedly intended for drug production. Prosecutors also presented evidence from 20 witnesses, along with electronic communications and video recordings.
Khalifa maintained her innocence during a court hearing last September, denying any connection to drugs. She reportedly told the court that she had only seen the substances when she was photographed with them at the offices of Egypt’s anti-narcotics authority.
The high-profile case has also reignited concerns over Egypt’s use of the death penalty.
Amnesty International reported that Egypt issued 492 death sentences and carried out 23 executions in 2025. The organization has criticized the use of capital punishment for drug-related offences, arguing that such crimes do not fall within the “most serious crimes” threshold under international law.#newsafro_
