Despite Trump's blockade, ICC nominated for Europe's top human rights award

The International Criminal Court, which has been subjected to United States sanctions, was included in the shortlist of nominees for the highest human rights prize awarded by the European Union, a move that supporters considered as support for the rules-based international order that is staggering under the weight of challenges.

On Monday, the European Parliament named the court, headquartered in the Netherlands, among the final three nominees for the Sakharov Prize, alongside Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu and Iranian twin sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, who represent individuals pursued judicially by Tehran.

The prize, established in 1988 and named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded annually to individuals or organizations in recognition of their struggle for human rights or democracy.

Barry Andrews, a centrist European legislator from Ireland, said, "In an increasingly charged global environment, it has never been more challenging or as important for Members of the European Parliament to support these individuals in their struggle."

Nominations are made by parliamentary groups in the European Parliament or individual legislators.

Lissu, president of Tanzania's Chadema opposition party, was arrested in April 2025 and faces the death penalty if convicted of treason following allegations that he incited the public to boycott last year's elections.

Twin sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi (21 years old) were sentenced to death and 36 years in prison for their participation in anti-government protests in Iran.

This month, the United States announced the imposition of sanctions on the International Criminal Court, which tries individuals on charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.