The International Criminal Court and its officials have won the European Parliament’s 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, recognising their work in upholding international law and justice.
Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced the decision in Strasbourg on Thursday, October 22. The award ceremony is scheduled for December during the assembly’s plenary session.
The recognition comes as the Hague-based court faces US sanctions. European lawmakers have called for measures to protect its personnel and preserve its independence, including the possible use of the EU’s blocking statute. Those calls do not establish that the mechanism has been activated.
ICC President Tomoko Akane welcomed the award, saying the challenges facing the institution made it particularly significant. She emphasised the importance of international cooperation in enabling the court to carry out its mandate independently and impartially, Reuters reported.
The ICC prosecutes individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. It operates as a court of last resort, complementing national justice systems.
