Iran Court Upholds Flogging and Performance Ban for Singer Parastoo Ahmadi
An Iranian appeals court in Qom upheld 74 lashes and a performance ban for singer Parastoo Ahmadi over an online video filmed without a hijab.
An Iranian appeals court in Qom has upheld the sentence against singer Parastoo Ahmadi, imposing 74 lashes, a two-year ban on performing, and a travel ban. According to reports, the penalty stems from an online video of a concert recorded without a hijab at a historic caravanserai.
The Controversial Performance and Charges
The case dates back to late 2024, when Ahmadi published a 27-minute video on YouTube featuring a performance at the historic Deir Gachin Caravanserai in Qom. In the footage, Ahmadi is seen wearing a long black dress with bare shoulders and no hijab, accompanied by four male musicians. Among the performed pieces was the patriotic anthem 'Az Khoon-e Javanan-e Vatan'.
"The court ruled that the concert violated moral and religious norms, citing the absence of the mandatory Islamic headscarf and the presence of male musicians during the event."
Legal authorities launched proceedings less than 24 hours after the video's release. Four musicians and four production staff members received identical sentences. Ahmadi's defense argued that the project was purely artistic, but the appeals court rejected the appeal.
Strict Legal Framework in Iran
Iranian law strictly regulates women's musical activities, prohibiting solo singing or performing before mixed audiences. Public hijab mandates have remained in place since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
