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Former South African Police Chief Appeals Graft Conviction

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Former South African police chief Jackie Selebi is appealing his 15-year prison sentence and conviction on corruption charges.

A spokesman for South Africa's National Prosecution Authority, Mthunzi Mhaga, said Tuesday that lawyers have received Selebi's application.

He said prosecutors will oppose the appeal. A court date has not yet been set.

Selebi, who is also the former president of Interpol, was found guilty last month of accepting more than $100,000 worth of bribes from a drug dealer, Glenn Agliotti, and others.

In handing down the sentence, Judge Meyer Joffe said Selebi was an embarrassment to the country, and that he lied continually to escape the consequences of his conduct.

The drug dealer was the star witness in the months-long trial. Selebi admitted the dealer was his friend but he denied the charges, arguing the case against him was politically motivated.

The former police chief is one of the highest ranking South African officials to be convicted of misuse of office.

He remains free on bail.

Some information for this report was provided by AP ve AFP.

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