The European Parliament has awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for its work in defending international law and justice. The announcement was made by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. This award comes shortly after the White House imposed sanctions on the ICC.

The prize also recognized Tanzanian politician and anti-corruption activist Tundu Lissu, and 21-year-old Iranian twin sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, who are being persecuted for participating in protests against the Iranian regime. Lissu, a former Member of Parliament in Tanzania, survived an assassination attempt in 2017, sustaining 16 gunshot wounds. The Rahimi sisters were arrested in January 2026; Taraneh was sentenced to death, and Romina received a 25-year prison sentence.