Sakharov award puts international justice in the spotlight
· BehindLines newsroom
The European Parliament awarded its Sakharov Prize to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its staff on 22 October. Roberta Metsola announced the decision in Strasbourg. Reuters and Associated Press report that lawmakers greeted the announcement with a standing ovation.
Support for an institution facing pressure
The award follows fresh American sanctions against the Court, which is based in The Hague. Reuters places the decision in the context of tensions between Donald Trump's administration and the tribunal. The agency recalls in particular the arrest warrants issued in 2024 against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister.
Explaining the European decision, Roberta Metsola highlighted the role of international institutions and the ICC's work in support of law and justice. The prize recognises both the organisation and the people who work there.
The Court's president, Tomoko Akane, welcomed the recognition. According to her remarks reported by Reuters, the exceptional difficulties facing the institution make this support particularly significant. She stressed the international cooperation needed for it to fulfil its mandate independently and impartially.
A decision announced, a ceremony still to come
The text of the address published on the Parliament president's website says that the decision rests with the Conference of Presidents. Roberta Metsola also acknowledges the other finalists: Tanzania's Tundu Lissu and Iran's Taraneh and Romina Rahimi.
The award ceremony is announced for Strasbourg during the December plenary session. That ceremony is still ahead; the decision to award the prize was made public on 22 October.
Established in 1988 and named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, the prize honours the defence of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Associated Press recalls that the ICC began operating in 2002 and tries cases involving, among other crimes, war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. The European award now draws attention to that mission and the people carrying it out.