The European Parliament has named the International Criminal Court (ICC), based in the Netherlands, among the three finalists for its prestigious Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. The other nominees are Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu and Iranian sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, who represent individuals facing prosecution by the Iranian government.
Established in 1988 and named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, the award is presented annually to individuals or organisations recognised for their efforts to promote human rights and democracy.
Barry Andrews, a centrist member of the European Parliament from Ireland, said supporting those fighting for fundamental freedoms had become increasingly important amid a challenging global climate.
“In an increasingly fraught global environment, it has never been more important – or more challenging – for MEPs to support them in their struggle,” he said.
Candidates for the award are put forward by political groups within the European Parliament as well as individual members.
Lissu, who leads Tanzania’s opposition Chadema party, was arrested in April 2025. He faces the possibility of a death sentence if convicted of treason over allegations that he encouraged the public to boycott last year’s elections.
Meanwhile, Iranian sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, both 21, have reportedly received severe sentences over their participation in anti-government demonstrations. Taraneh has been sentenced to death, while Romina has received a 36-year prison term.
The ICC’s nomination comes amid mounting tensions between the court and the United States. Washington announced sanctions against the tribunal this month, with measures aimed at disrupting its daily operations.
The court prosecutes individuals accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. US President Donald Trump’s administration has pledged to dismantle the institution “brick-by-brick”, expressing anger over the issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged crimes committed in Gaza.
