# 2026 Sakharov Prize selection and award > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-sakharov-prize-selection-and-award > Updated: 2026-10-24T18:24:21.000Z. Sources: 82. Developments: 3. The European Parliament announced the finalists for the 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, which included the International Criminal Court (ICC), Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, Iranian sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya, and the Israeli organization Standing Together. On October 22, the Sakharov Prize was awarded to the ICC and its staff. The award recognizes the institution’s work in upholding international law and pursuing justice for crimes such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression amid political pressure. The ICC won the award in a vote supported by the Social Democrats, liberals, Greens, and the Left. This decision serves as a symbolic rebuke to the United States government, following the announcement of sanctions by the Trump administration against ICC members in response to arrest warrants issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant regarding potential crimes in Gaza. The U.S. government has targeted ICC officials, including judges and prosecutors, in connection to investigations into actions in Afghanistan and Gaza. ICC President Tomoko Akane stated that the prize carries “particular significance as the institution faces unprecedented challenges.” This recognition follows the awarding of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize to former ICC judge Navi Pillay. Parliament President Roberta Metsola emphasized respect for multilateralism and international institutions during the announcement in Strasbourg. The Trump administration’s sanctions aim to restrict the court’s operations and freeze its assets. In response, Members of the European Parliament have called for the activation of the EU’s blocking statute to nullify the effects of third-country sanctions within European territory. An award ceremony is scheduled to take place on December 16 in Strasbourg. ## Claims - The European Parliament awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to the International Criminal Court and its staff. (corroborated by 37 sources) - The US administration under Donald Trump imposed sanctions against the ICC. (corroborated by 31 sources) - The ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. (corroborated by 18 sources) - The ICC is based in The Hague. (corroborated by 16 sources) - The formal Sakharov Prize award ceremony is scheduled for December 16 in Strasbourg. (corroborated by 15 sources) - The ICC nomination was put forward by the Social Democrats in the European Parliament. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Navi Pillay, a former ICC judge, was awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. (corroborated by 9 sources) - The nomination calls for the activation of the EU blocking statute to counter third-country sanctions. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The Sakharov Prize was established in 1988. (corroborated by 8 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-24: International Criminal Court awarded Sakharov Prize The European Parliament has awarded the Sakharov Prize to the International Criminal Court, signaling support for the institution amid diplomatic tensions and challenges to its authority. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/international-criminal-court-awarded-sakharov-prize-3 ### 2026-10-22: International Criminal Court awarded 2026 Sakharov Prize The European Parliament awarded the 2026 Sakharov Prize to the International Criminal Court, signaling support for international justice amid US sanctions and political pressure. 78 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/international-criminal-court-receives-sakharov-prize ### 2026-10-19: Sakharov Prize 2026 finalists include ICC and Tundu Lissu The European Parliament has named the finalists for the 2026 Sakharov Prize, including the ICC, Tundu Lissu, and Iranian sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi. The winner will be announced on October 22. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sakharov-prize-2026-finalists-include-icc-and-tundu-lissu --- Cite as: 2026 Sakharov Prize selection and award. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-sakharov-prize-selection-and-award