Georgia Reels from Military Plane Crash, Faces Domestic Legal Challenges and EU Snub
November 11, 2025
Today, November 11, 2025, Georgia's attention was largely consumed by the tragic crash of a Turkish C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border in the Sighnaghi Municipality. Reports indicate the plane, en route from Azerbaijan to Turkey, disintegrated in mid-air from an altitude of 8 kilometers, carrying an estimated 20 military personnel. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze extended condolences to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, while Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov also offered assistance. Georgian Interior Minister Geka Geladze and Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili visited the crash site and expressed deep sorrow, as search and rescue operations are actively underway with coordination from Turkish and Azerbaijani authorities.
The domestic political and legal landscape saw several significant developments. Businessman and former 'Georgian Dream' MP in Khashuri City Council, Levan Gamrekeli, was arrested. Concurrently, Levan Kupatashvili, former Deputy Head of the Roads Department, was ordered into pre-trial detention in a high-profile case involving a collapsed bridge on the Samtredia-Grigoleti highway, a charge his lawyer calls "absurd." In another case, the founders of 'Sfero Invest' and 'Sfero Holding' are accused of defrauding citizens of 12 million GEL, with one founder, Givi Tsuleiskiri, arrested. Meanwhile, amendments to the 'Law on Combating Corruption' are set to expand the list of individuals permitted to hold multiple jobs, including members of the Tbilisi Municipality Commission and Public Broadcaster employees, reversing earlier restrictions. Reports of the dismissal of Anti-Corruption Bureau Head Razhden Kuprashvili were denied by his office, with Kuprashvili himself confirming he remains in his post.
Georgia's European aspirations faced a setback as the European Commission spokesperson confirmed that Georgia was not invited to the EU Enlargement Forum. Georgian MP Nikoloz Samkharadze interpreted this as a continuation of Brussels' policy to avoid dialogue with the Georgian government. This news coincided with critical public commentary from figures like Lela Jejeldava and Lasha Tugushi, who voiced distrust in the 'Georgian Dream' government's handling of 'Arab investments,' suggesting potential risks of 'big Russia' influence. Protests also continued near the Parliament building.
In judicial news, the appeal process began for journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli in the Kutaisi Appellate Court, where the prosecution is seeking a 4-7 year prison sentence. Her lawyers also raised concerns about the judge's qualifications. Economically, the official exchange rate of the US Dollar against the Georgian Lari stabilized at 2.7064 GEL. Parliament is also considering regulating cryptocurrency operations and extending VAT exemptions for unfinished construction projects initiated before August 2008. Additionally, the option for free recognition of ownership rights for illegally occupied lands in Tbilisi has been extended until September 1, 2026.