The decision was announced in Strasbourg by Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament. According to this institution, this award constitutes a recognition of the work accomplished by the ICC to uphold international law and fight against impunity.
Created in 1988, the Sakharov Prize distinguishes individuals and organizations committed to the defense of human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law. It bears the name of Andrei Sakharov, a Soviet physicist and defender of freedoms.
A distinction in a context of tensions
The awarding of this prize comes as the ICC faces pressure measures targeting its functioning and some of its officials. On October 9, 2026, the United States announced sanctions against the institution, following several individual measures targeting in particular members of its judicial staff.
Based in The Hague, the Netherlands, the ICC is responsible for prosecuting persons accused of the most serious crimes within its jurisdiction, in particular genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and, under certain conditions, the crime of aggression.
Through this distinction, the European Parliament reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism and to the role of international judicial institutions. The official award ceremony is scheduled for December, during the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
MB / AP
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