International Criminal Court wins European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize
On 22 October European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced that the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its staff have been awarded the 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.
The award recognises efforts to defend human rights and fundamental freedoms. Roberta Metsola highlighted the court’s contribution to international law and justice, and stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation and international institutions.
Based in The Hague, the ICC was established in 2002. It investigates and prosecutes individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression, within its jurisdiction.
The other finalists were Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, and Iranian sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi.
Named after Soviet physicist and human rights advocate Andrei Sakharov, the Sakharov Prize has been awarded by the European Parliament since 1988. The 2026 award ceremony will take place in Strasbourg on December 16.
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