International Criminal Court wins EU’s 2026 Sakharov Prize
publishers 28articles 31first reported 20 Oct, 17:17 UTCdeveloping since 20 Oct · 10 editions
The International Criminal Court has won the European Union’s 2026 Sakharov Prize, the European Parliament’s top human rights award, as the court and its officials face U.S. sanctions.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced the decision in Strasbourg, saying the award recognized the ICC’s work “in upholding international law and justice.” ICC President Tomoko Akane said the honor came amid “unprecedented challenges,” including sanctions intended to disrupt the court’s judicial mandate.
The Trump administration imposed sanctions in response to what Washington has described as political bias by the court. The ICC, which prosecutes individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, has issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The United States has pledged to dismantle the court, while EU officials have said it must be able to operate independently and without intimidation.
The ICC was selected over two other finalists: jailed Tanzanian opposition figure and human rights lawyer Tundu Lissu, and Iranian twin sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, who have been imprisoned over their participation in anti-government protests.
Established in 1988 and named for Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, the prize is awarded annually to individuals or organizations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms. The award ceremony is scheduled for December.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 3 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 68 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
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- Source articles
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- Given to the writer
- 8, 3 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
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- This version written
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- Second model (editor)
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