This is a collection of photos chosen by AP photo editors.
Rider Juan Puga competes during the sixth stage of the Dakar Rally between Hail and Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Rider Daniel Sanders competes during the eighth stage of the Dakar Rally between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Camels are pictured during the eighth stage of the Dakar Rally between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
From left, Driver Seth Quintero and co-driver Dennis Zenz , Driver Yazeed Al Rajhi and co-driver Timo Gottschalk, Driver Nasser Al-Attiya, and co-driver Edouard Boulanger compete during the eighth stage of the Dakar Rally between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Barbora Holicka and co-driver Lucie Engova drive their Citroen 2CV during the eighth stage of the Dakar Rally Classic between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Barbora Holicka and co-driver Lucie Engova drive their Citroen 2CV during the eighth stage of the Dakar Rally Classic between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Rider Ricky Brabec competes during the eighth stage of the Dakar Rally between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Skyler Howes rides past a herd of goats during the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
The car of Driver Guerlain Chicherit and co-driver Alex Winocq is pictured after they crashed during the sixth stage of the Dakar Rally between Hail and Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Juan Cruz Yacopini and co-driver Daniel Oliveras compete during the sixth stage of the Dakar Rally between Hail and Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Honda rider Tosha Schareina of Spain competes during the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A man takes pictures of Goncalo Gurreiro and co-driver Cadu Sachs as they change a wheel during the stage two, day One, of the Dakar Rally with start in Bisha and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A driver competes during the fourth stage of the Dakar Rally between Al Henakiyah and Alula, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A rider competes during the fourth stage of the Dakar Rally between Al Henakiyah and Alula, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Rider Ross Branch competes during the third stage of the Dakar Rally between Bisha and Alula, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Milan Engel rides on the sand dunes during the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Henk Lategan and co-driver Brett Cummings compete during the fourth stage of the Dakar Rally between Al Henakiyah and Alula, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Simon Vitse and co-driver Max Delfino compete during the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Nasser Al-Attiya, and co-driver Edouard Boulanger drive their Daccia during the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Daccia driver Nasser Al-Attiyah and co-driver Edouard Boulanger compete during the sixth stage of the Dakar Rally between Hail and Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A rider jumps during the sixth stage of the Dakar Rally between Hail and Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Milan Engel rides on the sand dunes during the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Cars drive during the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A car drives during the third stage of the Dakar Rally between Bisha and Al-Henakiyah, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Rider Ricky Brabec competes during the third stage of the Dakar Rally between Bisha and Al-Henakiyah, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Daccia driver Nasser Al-Attiyah and co-driver Edouard Boulanger compete during the third stage of the Dakar Rally between Bisha and Al-Henakiyah, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Rider Jeremy Miroir of France competes during the third stage of the Dakar Rally between Bisha and Al-Henakiyah, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A rider competes during the third stage of the Dakar Rally between Bisha and Al-Henakiyah, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Riders and drivers have a breakfast prior to the start of the stage two, day two, of the Dakar Rally, in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Carlos Sainz speaks with rider Tosha Schareina at the bivouac after the stage two, day one, of the Dakar Rally with start in Bisha and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Sebastien Loeb and co-driver Fabian Lurquin compete after a crash during the third stage of the Dakar Rally between Bisha and Al-Henakiyah, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Ross Branch of Botswana rides during the third stage of the Dakar Rally between Bisha and Al-Henakiyah, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Riders have dinner at the bivouac after the stage two, day one, of the Dakar Rally with start in Bisha and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
The car of Driver Sebastien Loeb and co-driver Fabian Lurquin is stopped after a crash during the third stage of the Dakar Rally between Bisha and Al-Henakiyah, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Rider Ricky Brabec of the U.S stretches prior to taking part to the stage two, day two, of the Dakar Rally with start in Bisha and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Rider Kevin Benavides competes during stage one of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Guillaume De Mevius and co-driver Mathieu Baumel compete during stage one of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Carlos Sainz and co-driver Lucas Cruz compete during the stage two, day One, of the Dakar Rally with start in Bisha and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Honda rider Skyler Howes of the U.S arrives at the bivouac after the stage two, day one, of the Dakar Rally with start in Bisha and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Ford driver Nani Roma of Spain repairs a wheel at the bivouac after the stage two, day one, of the Dakar Rally with start in Bisha and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Sebastien Loeb and co-driver Fabian Lurquin compete during stage one of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A driver steers his car during stage one of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Rider Rui Goncalves competes during stage one of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Mathieu Serradori and co-driver Loic Minaudier compete during stage one of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Joao Ferreira and co-driver Filipe Palmeiro in the left car compete during stage one of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Two men take photos of Driver Mattias Ekstrom and co-driver Emil Bergkvist during the stage two, day One, of the Dakar Rally with start in Bisha and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Goncalo Gurreiro and co-driver Cadu Sachs remove their car blocked in the sand during the stage two, day One, of the Dakar Rally with start in Bisha and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Carlos Sainz and co-driver Lucas Cruz compete during the stage two, day One, of the Dakar Rally with start in Bisha and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
X-Raid Mini driver Guerlain Chicherit and co-pilot Alexandre Winocq, both of France, arrive at the bivouac after the stage two, day one, of the Dakar Rally with start in Bisha and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A rider competes during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Sebastien Loeb and co-driver Fabian Lurquin compete during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
People watch driver Henk Lategan and co-driver Brett Cummings during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Benjamin Favre and co-driver Thibaud Darroux compete during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Young boys wave Truck driver Miklos Kovacs and co-drivers Laszlo Acs and Peter Czegledi as they compete during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A man takes a photo of a car during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A competitor rides past local people during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Rider Axel Mustad of Norway speaks with a local people two days before the start of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A general view of the base camp two day before the start of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
French racing driver Sebastien Loeb gets out his Dacia Sandrider after a training twp days before the start of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Mechanics prepare the Citroën 2CV of Netherlands' Floris De Raadt and David Kann two days before the start of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Mechanics carry wheels two days before the start of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
People walk in the dust in the base camp on the eve of the start of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A rider competes during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Nasser Al-Attiyah and co-driver Edouard Boulanger competes during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A man watches his phone during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
People watch the riders during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A young boy watches riders during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Women take photos of Andrea Winkler of Italy as he rides during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
People take photos of drivers during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A man takes a photo of Luciano Benavides of Argentina as he rides during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Local people watch the riders during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A rider competes during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A man and son watch the riders during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Nasser Al-Attiyah and co-driver Edouard Boulanger competes during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
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Rider Juan Puga competes during the sixth stage of the Dakar Rally between Hail and Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Rider Daniel Sanders competes during the eighth stage of the Dakar Rally between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Camels are pictured during the eighth stage of the Dakar Rally between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
From left, Driver Seth Quintero and co-driver Dennis Zenz , Driver Yazeed Al Rajhi and co-driver Timo Gottschalk, Driver Nasser Al-Attiya, and co-driver Edouard Boulanger compete during the eighth stage of the Dakar Rally between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Barbora Holicka and co-driver Lucie Engova drive their Citroen 2CV during the eighth stage of the Dakar Rally Classic between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Barbora Holicka and co-driver Lucie Engova drive their Citroen 2CV during the eighth stage of the Dakar Rally Classic between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Rider Ricky Brabec competes during the eighth stage of the Dakar Rally between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Skyler Howes rides past a herd of goats during the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
The car of Driver Guerlain Chicherit and co-driver Alex Winocq is pictured after they crashed during the sixth stage of the Dakar Rally between Hail and Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Juan Cruz Yacopini and co-driver Daniel Oliveras compete during the sixth stage of the Dakar Rally between Hail and Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Honda rider Tosha Schareina of Spain competes during the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A man takes pictures of Goncalo Gurreiro and co-driver Cadu Sachs as they change a wheel during the stage two, day One, of the Dakar Rally with start in Bisha and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A driver competes during the fourth stage of the Dakar Rally between Al Henakiyah and Alula, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A rider competes during the fourth stage of the Dakar Rally between Al Henakiyah and Alula, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Rider Ross Branch competes during the third stage of the Dakar Rally between Bisha and Alula, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Milan Engel rides on the sand dunes during the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Henk Lategan and co-driver Brett Cummings compete during the fourth stage of the Dakar Rally between Al Henakiyah and Alula, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Simon Vitse and co-driver Max Delfino compete during the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Nasser Al-Attiya, and co-driver Edouard Boulanger drive their Daccia during the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Daccia driver Nasser Al-Attiyah and co-driver Edouard Boulanger compete during the sixth stage of the Dakar Rally between Hail and Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A rider jumps during the sixth stage of the Dakar Rally between Hail and Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Milan Engel rides on the sand dunes during the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Cars drive during the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A car drives during the third stage of the Dakar Rally between Bisha and Al-Henakiyah, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Rider Ricky Brabec competes during the third stage of the Dakar Rally between Bisha and Al-Henakiyah, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Daccia driver Nasser Al-Attiyah and co-driver Edouard Boulanger compete during the third stage of the Dakar Rally between Bisha and Al-Henakiyah, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Rider Jeremy Miroir of France competes during the third stage of the Dakar Rally between Bisha and Al-Henakiyah, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A rider competes during the third stage of the Dakar Rally between Bisha and Al-Henakiyah, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Riders and drivers have a breakfast prior to the start of the stage two, day two, of the Dakar Rally, in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Carlos Sainz speaks with rider Tosha Schareina at the bivouac after the stage two, day one, of the Dakar Rally with start in Bisha and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Sebastien Loeb and co-driver Fabian Lurquin compete after a crash during the third stage of the Dakar Rally between Bisha and Al-Henakiyah, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Ross Branch of Botswana rides during the third stage of the Dakar Rally between Bisha and Al-Henakiyah, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Riders have dinner at the bivouac after the stage two, day one, of the Dakar Rally with start in Bisha and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
The car of Driver Sebastien Loeb and co-driver Fabian Lurquin is stopped after a crash during the third stage of the Dakar Rally between Bisha and Al-Henakiyah, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Rider Ricky Brabec of the U.S stretches prior to taking part to the stage two, day two, of the Dakar Rally with start in Bisha and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Rider Kevin Benavides competes during stage one of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Guillaume De Mevius and co-driver Mathieu Baumel compete during stage one of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Carlos Sainz and co-driver Lucas Cruz compete during the stage two, day One, of the Dakar Rally with start in Bisha and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Honda rider Skyler Howes of the U.S arrives at the bivouac after the stage two, day one, of the Dakar Rally with start in Bisha and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Ford driver Nani Roma of Spain repairs a wheel at the bivouac after the stage two, day one, of the Dakar Rally with start in Bisha and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Sebastien Loeb and co-driver Fabian Lurquin compete during stage one of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A driver steers his car during stage one of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Rider Rui Goncalves competes during stage one of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Mathieu Serradori and co-driver Loic Minaudier compete during stage one of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Joao Ferreira and co-driver Filipe Palmeiro in the left car compete during stage one of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Two men take photos of Driver Mattias Ekstrom and co-driver Emil Bergkvist during the stage two, day One, of the Dakar Rally with start in Bisha and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Goncalo Gurreiro and co-driver Cadu Sachs remove their car blocked in the sand during the stage two, day One, of the Dakar Rally with start in Bisha and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Carlos Sainz and co-driver Lucas Cruz compete during the stage two, day One, of the Dakar Rally with start in Bisha and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
X-Raid Mini driver Guerlain Chicherit and co-pilot Alexandre Winocq, both of France, arrive at the bivouac after the stage two, day one, of the Dakar Rally with start in Bisha and finish in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A rider competes during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Sebastien Loeb and co-driver Fabian Lurquin compete during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
People watch driver Henk Lategan and co-driver Brett Cummings during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Benjamin Favre and co-driver Thibaud Darroux compete during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Young boys wave Truck driver Miklos Kovacs and co-drivers Laszlo Acs and Peter Czegledi as they compete during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A man takes a photo of a car during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A competitor rides past local people during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Rider Axel Mustad of Norway speaks with a local people two days before the start of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A general view of the base camp two day before the start of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
French racing driver Sebastien Loeb gets out his Dacia Sandrider after a training twp days before the start of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Mechanics prepare the Citroën 2CV of Netherlands' Floris De Raadt and David Kann two days before the start of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Mechanics carry wheels two days before the start of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
People walk in the dust in the base camp on the eve of the start of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A rider competes during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Nasser Al-Attiyah and co-driver Edouard Boulanger competes during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A man watches his phone during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
People watch the riders during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A young boy watches riders during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Women take photos of Andrea Winkler of Italy as he rides during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
People take photos of drivers during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A man takes a photo of Luciano Benavides of Argentina as he rides during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Local people watch the riders during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A rider competes during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
A man and son watch the riders during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Driver Nasser Al-Attiyah and co-driver Edouard Boulanger competes during the prologue of the Dakar Rally in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — A former Polish justice minister who faces prosecution in his homeland over alleged abuse of power said Monday that he has been granted asylum in Hungary.
Zbigniew Ziobro was a key figure in the government led by the nationalist conservative Law and Justice party that ran Poland between 2015 and 2023. That administration established political control over key judicial institutions by stacking higher courts with friendly judges and punishing its critics with disciplinary action or assignments to far-away locations.
Current Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government came to power more than two years ago with ambitions to roll back the changes, but efforts to undo them have been blocked by two successive presidents aligned with the national right.
In October, prosecutors requested the lifting of Ziobro's parliamentary immunity to press charges against him. They allege among other things that Ziobro misused a fund for victims of violence, including for the purchase of Israeli Pegasus surveillance software.
Tusk’s party says Law and Justice used Pegasus to spy illegally on political opponents while in power. Ziobro says he acted lawfully.
Hungary, led by nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has hosted several politicians close to Law and Justice while Polish authorities were seeking them.
In a lengthy post on X Monday, Ziobro wrote that he had “decided to accept the asylum granted to me by the government of Hungary due to the political persecution in Poland.”
“I have decided to remain abroad until genuine guarantees of the rule of law are restored in Poland,” he said. “I believe that instead of acquiescing to being silenced and subjected to a torrent of lies — which I would have no opportunity to refute — I can do more by fighting the mounting lawlessness in Poland.”
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said in Budapest on Monday that Hungarian authorities have granted asylum to “several” individuals who would face political persecution in Poland, according to his ministry. He declined to specify their names.
In an English-language post on X, Tusk wrote that “the former Minister of Justice(!), Mr. Ziobro, who was the mastermind of the political corruption system, has asked the government of Victor Orbán for political asylum.”
“A logical choice,” he added.
FILE - The leader of the Polish junior coalition partners Zbigniew Ziobro, speaks to reporters alongside in Warsaw, Poland, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski, file)