Tamim death sentences confirmed

The tale of sex and murder gripped the Arab world

A court in Cairo has confirmed death sentences against a billionaire former politician and a security guard for the murder of Lebanese star Suzanne Tamim.

Hisham Talaat Moustafa was found guilty in May of paying $2m (£1.2m) to Muhsin Sukkari to kill the singer.

Under Islamic law, the sentences of death by hanging had to be approved by Egypt's religious authorities.

Ms Tamim reportedly broke off a secret love affair with Moustafa months before she was stabbed to death in Dubai.

The tale of sex, politics, money and show business gripped the Arab world.

The judge's proclamation was greeted calmly by friends and relatives of the two men, reported the news agency AFP - in contrast to the chaotic scenes of screaming and fainting that accompanied the May verdict.