Despite US criticism and sanctions, the European Parliament awards the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to the International Criminal Court.

The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Mizzola, announced that the “Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought” for this year 2026 will be awarded to the International Criminal Court and its officials.

Today, Thursday (October 22, 2026), Mitsola said, “The European Union is based on respect for pluralism and international institutions, and this award comes in recognition of the important work undertaken by the court in supporting international law and justice.”

The President of the International Criminal Court, Judge Tomoko Akane, said that granting the Sakharov Prize to the court comes at a time when this institution faces “unprecedented challenges,” adding that “the court and its employees face unprecedented challenges, including sanctions aimed at obstructing its jurisdiction.”

Akani noted that "the Sakharov Prize gains special importance in this context," stressing "the pivotal role of independent judicial institutions and those working to protect international law."

Akani concluded by saying, "In a world characterized by increasing conflicts, there is no peace without justice, and no security without law."

Since 2002, the International Criminal Court, headquartered in The Hague, has been prosecuting perpetrators of the most serious international crimes, including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

Recently, the United States imposed sanctions on the court and its staff, threatening to “dismantle” the institution. Washington also accused the court, which issued an arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in the Gaza Strip, of political bias.

The award comes after the Foreign Affairs and Development Committees of the European Parliament selected three finalists for the 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought: the International Criminal Court and its officials, Tanzanian human rights activist Tundu Lissu, and Tarana Romina Rahimi, representing victims of persecution in Iran.

It is noteworthy that the award ceremony will be held in Strasbourg, France, on December 16, 2026, and the financial value of the award is 50 thousand euros.