Polish, Belgian prime ministers discuss extradition of Pole suspected in Brussels killing

Photo: Polish, Belgian prime ministers discuss extradition of Pole suspected in Brussels killing

Polish, Belgian prime ministers discuss extradition of Pole suspected in Brussels killing

Joe Van Holsbeeck, 17, was stabbed  at Brussels Central train station on April 12 after refusing to give up his MP3 music player to two youths who ambushed him.

One suspect, identified only as Adam G. because of Polish privacy laws, was arrested April 27 in northeastern Poland. His suspected accomplice had been arrested a few days earlier in Belgium.

Following his meetings with Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt, Polish Prime Minister Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz said it was up to Poland's court system to decide whether to extradite the suspect, the PAP news agency reported.

"All procedures are underway .. and all necessary documents are being exchanged," he said, adding he would remain in touch with Verhofstadt.

A court in Warsaw is to rule May 31 whether to extradite the youth, and has asked Belgian authorities whether he would be tried there as a minor or as an adult, the AP reports.

Verhofstadt is in Poland to open an exhibition devoted to Belgian victims of the Nazi death camp of Auschwitz, at the former camp's museum on Sunday.