ICC Named Finalist for EU Human Rights Prize Amid US Sanctions

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has been shortlisted for the European Union’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, in a move supporters described as a show of backing for international justice amid growing pressure on the tribunal from the United States.

The European Parliament announced on Monday that the Netherlands-based court was among three finalists for the annual human rights award. The other nominees are Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu and Iranian twin sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, who have faced prosecution by the Iranian government.

Established in 1988 and named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, the prize recognises individuals and organisations working to defend human rights and democracy.

Barry Andrews, an Irish centrist member of the European Parliament, said supporting those fighting for human rights had become increasingly important in a difficult global environment.

The candidates are nominated by political groups in the European Parliament and individual lawmakers, with the winner due to be selected this week. The award ceremony is scheduled for December.

The ICC’s nomination comes as it faces US sanctions intended to disrupt its operations. The court investigates and prosecutes individuals accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

US President Donald Trump’s administration has threatened to dismantle the institution in response to its decisions, particularly an arrest warrant issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged crimes in Gaza.

The US sanctions announced this month have raised concerns about the court’s ability to carry out its work and maintain its international operations.

Yannis Maniatis, a lawmaker from the centre-left Socialists and Democrats group that supported the ICC’s nomination, said the European Parliament stood behind the court and its officials.

He said protecting the principles underpinning the international order was essential to defending democracy and European values.

The other finalists have also faced serious challenges. Lissu, who leads Tanzania’s opposition Chadema party, was detained in April 2025 and faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted of treason. Prosecutors have accused him of encouraging the public to boycott last year’s elections.

Iranian sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, both 21, have been sentenced to death and 36 years in prison, respectively, for participating in anti-government protests, according to the nomination details.

The shortlist follows the Nobel Peace Prize award this month to former ICC judge Navi Pillay, who also served as the United Nations human rights chief. Trump criticised the Nobel decision as “disgraceful”, arguing that he should have received the award.

The Sakharov Prize is one of the European Parliament’s highest-profile honours. This year’s selection comes amid broader debate over international accountability, political pressure on judicial institutions and the protection of human rights worldwide.