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2026 Sakharov Prize selection and award

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2026-10-22 23:19 UTC → 2026-10-24 12:58 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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