Iran upholds 74-lash sentence for singer Parastoo Ahmadi

An Iranian appeals court has upheld a sentence of 74 lashes for singer Parastoo Ahmadi following a virtual concert performed without a mandatory hijab. The decision, issued by the Qom Court of Appeal, confirms a previous ruling from June that also imposed a two-year ban on audiovisual and musical activities, as well as a two-year prohibition on leaving the country.

The legal case stems from a 27-minute “hypothetical concert” streamed on YouTube in December 2024. During the performance, recorded at the Deir Gachin Caravanserai, Ahmadi appeared in a sleeveless dress without a headscarf and was accompanied by four male musicians. Authorities charged Ahmadi and eight members of her production team with “offending public decency” and violating religious and legal regulations.

Defense lawyers stated that the appeals court rejected their arguments without holding a hearing. They argued that the punishment was excessively severe and intended to serve as a deterrent against similar artistic expressions. The ruling has drawn significant reactions on social media, with prominent figures like singer Googoosh expressing support for women's freedom of choice.