The International Criminal Court (ICC) has won this year's Sakharov Prize, awarded by the European Union to individuals and organizations in recognition of their work to support and protect human rights and democracy, DW reports.
"This prize recognizes the important work of the court in upholding international law and justice," said European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, who announced the winner at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
She said the EU was similarly "built on respect for multilateralism and international institutions."
In naming the ICC as the prize winner, Metsola also took time to recognize the two other finalists: Tanzanian jailed lawyer and human rights defender Tundu Lissu and the imprisoned Iranian twin sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi.
"This award comes at a time when the Court and its officials face unprecedented challenges, including sanctions aimed at disrupting the Court's judicial mandate," ICC president and top judge Tomoko Akane said.
The prize ceremony will take place in December.
