### Hungary Grants Asylum to Polish Ex-Minister Amid Legal Turmoil - Zbigniew Ziobro, Poland's former justice minister, has been granted asylum in Hungary as he faces serious criminal charges in Poland, including abuse of power and misappropriation of funds intended for crime victims. - Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto confirmed the asylum, stating it was granted to individuals facing political persecution in Poland, although he did not specify names. - Ziobro, who served from 2015 to 2023 under the Law and Justice (PiS) party, claims he is a victim of a political witch hunt orchestrated by the current Polish government led by Donald Tusk. - The decision to grant asylum has escalated tensions between Hungary and Poland, two EU member states that were once close allies but are now at odds over various political issues, including judicial reforms and governance. ### Breakdown of the Situation 1. **Background of Zbigniew Ziobro**: - Former justice minister from 2015 to 2023. - Accused of leading an organized criminal enterprise and misusing funds for personal gain, specifically to purchase Israeli spyware [https://www.nation.com.pk/13-jan-2026/polish-ex-minister-facing-prosecution-given-asylum-hungary]. - Claims of political persecution by the current Polish government [https://www.budapesttimes.hu/world/several-polish-citizens-have-been-granted-asylum-in-hungary-minister-says]. 2. **Hungary's Asylum Decision**: - Confirmed by Hungarian officials as a response to political repression in Poland [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3766435-hungary-grants-asylum-to-polish-ex-minister-amid-misuse-of-power-allegations]. - Hungary has previously granted asylum to other Polish nationals facing similar charges, indicating a pattern of support for those opposing the current Polish government [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3766528-hungarys-asylum-grant-to-ex-polish-justice-minister-escalates-warsaw-budapest-tensions]. 3. **Political Implications**: - The asylum grant has deepened the rift between Poland and Hungary, with Poland's government condemning the move as a violation of EU principles [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3766435-hungary-grants-asylum-to-polish-ex-minister-amid-misuse-of-power-allegations]. - Polish officials have vowed that Ziobro will face justice, asserting that no politician is above the law [https://www.nation.com.pk/13-jan-2026/polish-ex-minister-facing-prosecution-given-asylum-hungary]. ### Summary of Findings - **Key Conclusion**: Hungary's decision to grant asylum to Zbigniew Ziobro highlights the growing political divide within the EU, particularly between member states with differing views on governance and judicial integrity. 1. **Asylum Granted**: Zbigniew Ziobro has received asylum in Hungary, citing political persecution in Poland [https://www.budapesttimes.hu/world/several-polish-citizens-have-been-granted-asylum-in-hungary-minister-says]. 2. **Legal Charges**: He faces multiple serious charges in Poland, including abuse of power and misuse of funds [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3766435-hungary-grants-asylum-to-polish-ex-minister-amid-misuse-of-power-allegations]. 3. **Political Tensions**: The asylum grant has exacerbated diplomatic tensions between Poland and Hungary, with implications for EU relations [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3766528-hungarys-asylum-grant-to-ex-polish-justice-minister-escalates-warsaw-budapest-tensions].