Tehran concert organizers receive prison sentences

Public relations and communications professionals have issued a statement protesting prison sentences handed to the organizers of a concert held at the Emadat Rooboro complex in Tehran. The signatories are calling for a review of the judicial rulings, expressing concern that legal action against specialists for participating in cultural events threatens professional security and the freedom to operate within the communications field.

The sentences stem from a concert performed by singer and musician Hiwa Seifizadeh in March 2025. Following the event, Seifizadeh and several group members were detained and later released on bail.

According to reports, Emadat Rooboro manager Hooman Memarpanehi was sentenced to 10 years in prison, and public relations manager Gazal Nahani received a seven-year sentence. Both were charged with ‘spreading corruption and debauchery through organizing a concert’. Seifizadeh was also sentenced to four years in prison in connection with the case.