Moscow, Russia (CNN) A Russian soldier on trial for shooting and killing eight of his fellow service members has said he was the victim of "hazing," Russian state news agency TASS reported on Thursday.

Ramil Shamsutdinov allegedly opened fire on colleagues at a military garrison near the city of Chita, Siberia on October 25, 2019.

"The Ministry of Defense said that the soldier committed the crime as a result of a nervous breakdown caused by personal circumstances," TASS reported.

"At the same time, he, as well as other several soldiers are regarded as victims in a criminal case dealing with hazing in the military unit," the agency added.

In a letter obtained from the accused's father and published by TASS, Shamsutdinov apologized to the families of his alleged victims.

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