The International Criminal Court was awarded the European Union’s top human rights prize on Thursday, a move that comes while the court faces US sanctions and may anger President Donald Trump. European Parliament chief Roberta Metsola announced the award, saying the EU is built on respect for multilateralism and international institutions.
The court thanked the Parliament for the honour, saying it came “at a time when the Court and its officials face unprecedented challenges.” ICC President Tomoko Akane said the Sakharov Prize carried particular significance, reaffirming the importance of independent judicial institutions and of those who work to uphold international law.
US sanctions aimed at the court’s daily work
This month, the United States announced sanctions against the ICC that are intended to cripple its day-to-day operations. The court tries individuals accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. The sanctions are due to take effect in six months.
Trump’s administration has vowed to dismantle the court “brick by brick.” It is angry that ICC judges issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged crimes in Gaza. The EU has backed the court against the sanctions and said it is “ready to take any necessary measures” to ensure the court can keep working.
Trump’s reaction to the Pillay Nobel award
The ICC’s win follows another high-profile honour this month. Former ICC judge Navi Pillay, who also served as UN rights chief, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump criticised that choice as “disgraceful,” arguing that the award should have gone to him.
Three finalists and the prize’s history
The Sakharov Prize was set up in 1988 and is named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov. It is given every year to individuals or organisations recognised for their fight for human rights or democracy. Nominees are put forward by political groupings in the EU, and senior lawmakers choose the winner.
This year’s other finalists were Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu and twin sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, who represent people prosecuted by the Iranian government. Lissu, head of the Chadema party, was detained in April 2025. He faces a possible death penalty if convicted of treason for allegedly inciting the public to boycott elections last year. Taraneh Rahimi has been sentenced to death and Romina Rahimi to 36 years in prison for taking part in anti-government protests in Iran.
Previous winners include Venezuelan opposition chief Maria Corina Machado, the late Russian Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and the people of Ukraine. An award ceremony will be held in December.
