Azerbaijan, Baku, March 29 / Trend H.Bagirov /
A trial began behind closed doors today against military servicemen Aydin Rafiyev and Anar Hashimov, who are accused of killing Azerbaijani former Deputy Defense Minister and Air Force Commander Rail Rzayev. Rafiyev served as Rzayev's assistant, while Hashimov was an adjutant.
The trial is underway at the Military Heinous Crimes Court.
Judge Islam Neymanov is overseeing the case. He said the court received a letter from the murdered commander's son Gurban Rzayev, saying he cannot attend the trial due to an illness.
Rafiyev's lawyer Beyler Mamishev sought Gurban's participation in the trial, stating that he had made contradicting remarks in his statement.
The judge said Gurban will be called into court once his health improves.
The suspects plead innocent.
Rafiyev is accused of Article 177.3.2 (Theft) and 311.3.1 (Receiving a Bribe, 341.2.1 (Abusing Authority) of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, Hashimov is accused of Articles 177.3.2, 341.2.1, 341.2.3 and his son Anar is accused of Articles 179.2.1, 179.2.2, 179.3.2 and 299.2.
Based on the indictment, Feb. 11, 2009, immediately after the commander's murder, Rafiyev and Hashimov illegally entered his office, stole jewelry, medicine, DVDs and 200,000 euro.
Rafiyev Anar and his son were arrested April 16, 2009. An investigation team found the commander's jacket and license plate in their apartment in the Yasamal district.