The 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is collectively awarded to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its officials. Every year, the European Parliament awards the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to honour exceptional individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms.&nbsp;

Announcing the 2026 laureate in the hemicycle, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola declared: “The European Union is built on respect for multilateralism and international institutions. With the award of the Sakharov prize to the International Criminal Court and its officials, the European Parliament recognises the Court’s important work in upholding international law and justice.” 
The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.The award highlights the ICC's work, including investigations, prosecutions, trials and the issuance or authorisation of arrest warrants.

The award ceremony for the 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought will take place in December in Strasbourg, during Parliament’s plenary session.

Among the finalists this year were also&nbsp;Tundu LISSU, politically persecuted Lawyer, Political Leader, Human Rights Defender, Tanzania and&nbsp;-Taraneh and Romina RAHIMI, on behalf of all those persecuted by the Iranian Islamic regime, Iran.

Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought 2026

EP Plenary session October part II 2026 - Voting session

Announcement of the Sakharov Prize 2026 laureate

The International Criminal Court and its officials, Sakharov Prize 2026 Laureate: roundtable at the Conference of Presidents and extracts from the announcement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Sakharov Prize 2026 - Vote on a shortlist of 3 nominees: arrivals and roundtable

Sakharov Prize 2026: Statement by Alicia MAGABE LISSU, wife of Tundu LISSU, Sakharov Prize 2026 nominee (EbS)

Infoclip: #Sakharov Prize 2026 - Tundu LISSU, Sakharov Prize 2026 nominee

Infoclip: The International Criminal Court and its officials - Sakharov Prize 2026 laureate

Infoclip: Tehran (Iran) - Sakharov Prize 2023

Announcement of the laureate of the 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought

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