The European Parliament has awarded the International Criminal Court its Sakharov Prize, recognising the court’s work in supporting international law and justice.
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Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced the decision. She said the European Union was founded on respect for multilateralism and international institutions, and that the award acknowledged the ICC’s role in upholding international law and justice.
The announcement came while the United States had announced sanctions against the court. The measures are intended to disrupt the ICC’s day-to-day operations, according to the information available, while the administration of US President Donald Trump has said it intends to dismantle the court “brick by brick”.
European backing for the court
The ICC thanked the European Parliament for the award, saying it came “at a time when the Court and its officials face unprecedented challenges”.
ICC President Tomoko Akane said the prize carried particular importance because it reaffirmed the value of independent judicial institutions and the work of those seeking to uphold international law.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also said the court must be able to carry out its mission independently and without pressure or intimidation. The European Union has said it is “ready to take any necessary measures” to ensure that the ICC can continue operating.
Brussels is considering a blocking statute that could help shield the court from Washington. However, the available information does not indicate that such a measure has been adopted or implemented. The announced US sanctions are expected to come into force in six months.
ICC among three finalists
The court was selected from three finalists for the prize. The other nominees were Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu and Iranian sisters Taraneh Rahimi and Romina Rahimi, who were nominated in connection with people prosecuted by the Iranian government.
Lissu faces a possible death sentence if convicted of treason in a case involving allegations that he encouraged the public to boycott elections. Taraneh Rahimi was sentenced to death, while Romina Rahimi received a 36-year prison sentence after taking part in anti-government protests in Iran.
The Sakharov Prize was established in 1988 and named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov. It is awarded each year to individuals or organisations recognised for their work in advancing human rights or democracy. Senior European lawmakers choose the winner from nominations submitted by political groupings in the European Union.
An award ceremony for the ICC will take place in December, although the exact date and venue have not been provided.
Work under scrutiny
The ICC prosecutes individuals accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Its judges have issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged crimes in Gaza, according to the available information.
The court’s recognition comes alongside wider international debate over the role of judicial institutions. Recent Sakharov Prize recipients listed among the award’s high-profile winners include Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and the people of Ukraine.
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