BRUSSELS: The International Criminal Court (ICC) won the European Union’s top human rights prize on Thursday, as the court faces US sanctions targeting its operations.
The award demonstrates European support for the ICC and risks further tensions with US President Donald Trump.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced the decision, highlighting the EU’s commitment to multilateralism and international institutions.
“The European Union is built on respect for multilateralism and international institutions, and this prize recognises the important work of the court in upholding international law and justice,” she said.
The ICC welcomed the Sakharov Prize, saying the recognition came at a time when the court and its officials faced unprecedented challenges.
ICC President Tomoko Akane said the award reaffirmed the importance of independent judicial institutions and those working to uphold international law.
US Sanctions Target ICC Operations
Earlier this month, the United States announced sanctions against the ICC aimed at disrupting its day-to-day operations. The court prosecutes individuals accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
Trump’s administration has vowed to dismantle the court “brick by brick” after its judges issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged crimes in Gaza.
The US sanctions are scheduled to take effect in six months. Meanwhile, the European Union has pledged support for the court and said it is ready to take necessary measures to ensure its continued operation.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also defended the ICC following the prize announcement.
“The International Criminal Court must be free to pursue its mission, independently, and without pressure or intimidation,” she said in a post online.
Brussels hopes to use the delay before the sanctions take effect to persuade Washington to reconsider. European officials are also considering a “blocking statute” to shield the ICC from US measures.
The award follows the Nobel Peace Prize recognition of former ICC judge Navi Pillay, who also served as the United Nations human rights chief. Trump criticised the Nobel decision as “disgraceful” and argued that he should have received the award.
Three Finalists for Sakharov Prize
Established in 1988 and named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, the annual prize recognises individuals and organisations that promote human rights and democracy.
The ICC was one of three finalists this year. The other nominees were Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu and Iranian twin sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, who represent people prosecuted by the Iranian government.
Political groups in the European Union nominate candidates, while senior lawmakers select the winner. The award ceremony will take place in December.
Lissu, head of Tanzania’s opposition Chadema party, was detained in April 2025. He faces a possible death sentence if convicted of treason over allegations that he encouraged the public to boycott elections last year.
Meanwhile, Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, both 21, have reportedly received sentences of death and 36 years in prison, respectively, for participating in anti-government protests in Iran.
Previous high-profile recipients of the Sakharov Prize include Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, the late Russian Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and the people of Ukraine.
