European Parliament awards Sakharov Prize to International Criminal Court amid US sanctions

The European Parliament has awarded its 2026 Sakharov Prize, the EU's top human rights award, to the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to DW, France 24, Reuters, AP, the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Le Monde and Anadolu Agency. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced the award on Thursday, 22 October 2026, DW and SCMP reported. According to AP and Anadolu Agency, the prize covers the court and officials working there.

The award came shortly after the administration of US President Donald Trump announced sanctions against the ICC. AP described the timing as "just days" after the announcement. France 24 said it was within two weeks. According to France 24, the sanctions cut the court off from US-based financial services, technology companies and the use of US dollars. Washington cited what it called political bias, according to DW. The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, DW and France 24 reported.

DW quoted Metsola as saying: "This prize recognizes the important work of the court in upholding international law and justice." ICC President Tomoko Akane welcomed the award. DW quoted her as saying: "This award comes at a time when the Court and its officials face unprecedented challenges, including sanctions aimed at disrupting the Court's judicial mandate."

The other finalists were Tundu Lissu of Tanzania and the Iranian twin sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, all of whom are imprisoned, according to DW and France 24. DW reported that the prize ceremony will take place in December.

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