Interpol president faces corruption charge

PRETORIA, South Africa, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- South Africa National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi will be charged with corruption and "defeating the ends of justice," prosecutors said Friday.

Selebi, the president of Interpol, also lost his urgent application to the Pretoria High Court to try to stop the prosecution, SABC reported. The court said the decision to prosecute Selebi was made some time ago, defeating the sense of urgency.

National Prosecuting Authority chief Mokotedi Mpshe said the charges against Selebi are based on an allegedly corrupt relationship between Selebi and South African businessman Glen Agglioti.

Selebi will have to step down from his post if he is charged, Safety and Security Department spokesman Trevor Bloem said.