The International Criminal Court in The Hague has been recognized as the winner of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2026. This international body, which has been prosecuting perpetrators of war crimes and genocide for over 20 years, receives this award for its efforts in achieving justice and human rights.
Message from the President of the European Parliament
Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, emphasized at the announcement ceremony in Strasbourg that the European Union is built on respect for multilateralism and international institutions. Referring to the importance of the work of the Hague court in upholding international law, she stated: "With this award, we honor the important work of the Hague court."
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Reference to Two Iranian Protesters
Metsola also mentioned two other nominees for this award, Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, two imprisoned protesters in Iran. Expressing her sorrow for the situation of these two sisters, she noted: "Taraneh and Romina still had their whole lives ahead of them, but one of them is facing the death penalty simply for protesting, and the other is facing a sentence of several decades in prison."
Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, defendants in the case known as "Isfahan Martyrs' Square," are currently in the Dowlatabad prison in Isfahan. Taraneh Rahimi has been sentenced to death and 11 years in prison, while Romina Rahimi has been sentenced to 36 years in prison. The President of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Tomoko Akane, also considered this award an important support for this institution and pointed out that the Hague court is under increasing pressure and sanctions from the United States.
The International Criminal Court in The Hague, established in 2002, has so far been joined by 125 countries. However, countries such as the United States, Israel, and Iran are among those that have not joined this court and do not recognize its rulings. Meanwhile, the Hague court seeks to deliver justice for the victims of serious crimes.
The Sakharov Prize, which amounts to 50,000 euros, is awarded annually to individuals or institutions that strive to defend human rights and freedom of thought. This award will be presented in December at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
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