Brussels, Oct. 22 (Jiji Press)–The European Parliament said Thursday that it has selected the International Criminal Court and its staff for the 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, recognizing their efforts to defend human rights and democracy. The parliament lauded the ICC’s efforts to investigate serious crimes, including war crimes, prosecute those responsible and hold them accountable. The ICC, headed by Japan’s Tomoko Akane, is currently subject to U.S. sanctions. “With the award of the Sakharov prize to the International Criminal Court and its officials, the European Parliament recognizes the court’s important work in upholding international law and justice,” European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said. The award ceremony will be held in Strasbourg, France, on Dec. 16. “This award comes at a time when the court and its officials face unprecedented challenges, including sanctions aimed at disrupting the court’s judicial mandate,” the ICC said in a statement. “While this prize recognizes the work of the court in combating impunity and ensuring fair trials, it is also an important recognition of the role of international justice as a cornerstone of lasting peace,” Akane said. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in an X post that the ICC “must be free to pursue its mission, independently and without pressure or intimidation,” adding, “Europe stands firmly behind President Tomoko Akane, the court’s judges and officials.” The ICC is an international judicial body responsible for investigating and prosecuting individuals for crimes, such as genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has imposed sanctions on the ICC after the court issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged crimes committed in the Gaza Strip. Established in 1988, the Sakharov Prize honors individuals and groups who contribute to the defense of human rights and democracy. It is considered the European Union’s highest human rights award. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
