The International Criminal Court (ICC) and its officials have won the 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, awarded by the European Parliament to individuals or organisations that have made outstanding contributions to defending human rights and freedom of thought.

The award comes less than two weeks after former ICC Judge Navi Pillay was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

The ICC said the award comes at a time when the court and its officials are facing unprecedented challenges, including sanctions aimed at undermining the execution of their judicial duties.

Other nominees for the award included CHADEMA Chairperson Tundu Lissu and two siblings from Iran, Taraneh and Romina Rahimi.