European Parliament awards 2026 Sakharov Prize to ICC and senior officials, recognizing its justice work amid US sanctions

The European Parliament has awarded the 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its senior officials, recognizing the court’s work on international justice and its ongoing fight against impunity for war crimes and genocide.

The award comes amid a series of US sanctions targeting the court, its judges and staff members. The European Parliament said the recognition highlights the tribunal’s role in upholding global accountability despite external pressures.