European Parliament Awards 2026 Sakharov Prize to International Criminal Court

The European Parliament has awarded this year's Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to the International Criminal Court and its officials, European Pravda reported, citing the Parliament's press service.

“The European Union is founded on respect for multilateralism and international institutions. By awarding the Sakharov Prize to the International Criminal Court and its officials, the European Parliament recognizes the Court's important work in upholding international law and justice,” European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said while announcing the 2026 laureate.

The award underlines the work of the ICC — its investigations, prosecutions, trials and the issuance or authorization of arrest warrants.

Pressure from Washington

The outlet notes that the choice comes amid an intensified pressure campaign against the institution by the United States. In October, the administration of US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on the ICC. Earlier, Washington had sanctioned ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye. On July 13, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the start of a large-scale campaign aimed at preventing the ICC from prosecuting Americans. In its annual reports on the common foreign and security policy, the European Parliament expressed deep concern over growing threats and sanctions imposed on the ICC since 2025, particularly by the US.

The Sakharov Prize, named after Soviet physicist and dissident Andrei Sakharov, was established in 1988. Each year the European Parliament awards it to individuals or organizations in recognition of their defense of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Last year it went to jailed Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli and Polish-language journalist Andrzej Poczobut, then imprisoned in Belarus.