International Criminal Court wins EU's 2026 Sakharov Prize
The European Parliament honoured the Hague-based court and its officials, less than two weeks after the United States announced fresh sanctions against it.
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The 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought has been awarded to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its officials. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced the decision of the Conference of Presidents in Strasbourg on Thursday to a standing ovation. "The EU is built on respect for multilateralism and international institutions," Metsola said, adding that the prize recognises "the important work of the court in upholding international law and justice."
According to Reuters, U.S. President Donald Trump announced sanctions against the court less than two weeks earlier. Trump has long targeted the ICC, stepping up his campaign after it issued arrest warrants in 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister. ICC President Tomoko Akane pointed to the court's "unprecedented challenges", saying the prize "underscores the importance of continued international cooperation and support": "There is no peace without justice and no security without law."
The other finalists were Tanzanian opposition politician Tundu Lissu and Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, representing people persecuted by Iran's regime. Metsola said they were "now part of our Sakharov family." The prize, awarded since 1988, will be presented at the December plenary session in Strasbourg.