Dutch Justice Minister Ernst Hirsch Ballin says it would be better if Transavia pilot Julio Poch stand trial in Argentina and not in the Netherlands. He believes the Argentinian authorities are in a better position to investigate the case than their Dutch colleagues.

Mr Poch, a Dutch-Argentinian citizen, was arrested in Spain two weeks ago. He denies that he took part in death flights under Argentina's military dictatorship from 1976 to 1983. Opponents of the regime were thrown to their deaths during the flights. Argentina has requested his extradition from Spain.

photo: Julio Poch under arrest (Spanish police)