26 members of the gang stand trial presided by judge Ali Seyfaliyev.

In today’s hearing, defendant Eldar Rahimov testified on the charges. He confirmed all his testimonies to the preliminary investigation, excluding some details.

Rahimov said his activity in Haji Mammadov's gang is divided into two periods, "I was the gang member from autumn 1996 till October 1997. Then i left the gang. I returned to the gang in 2002 and functioned till my arrest".

The defendant said he had good relationships with Haji when he worked in Absheron police office and sometimes he was Haji's driver.

"Haji involved me in his gang."

Eldar Rahimov also testified on the kidnapping of Azermebel Industrial Concern Nazim Pashayev and his driver.

"We followed Nazim before kidnapping. We kidnapped him on 19 September 1995 and took him to Haji's garden. According to the plan, Nazim’s driver was to be released. I conducted talks with Nazim's family. We demanded $200 000 for releasing him. But Nazim’s brother said they could give only $120 000," he said.

The defendant also made clear the reason to Haji's deciding to kill Nazim Pashayev.

"While talking with Chechens Nazim realized that they were Chechens. I think Haji knew Nazim personally."

The trial will continue today.