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Legal sentencing of Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi

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2026-09-28 22:34 UTC → 2026-09-29 15:44 UTC · added ~~removed~~

An appeals court in Qom, Iran, has upheld the conviction and sentencing of singer Parastoo Ahmadi and eight others, including four musicians and four production members. The group was sentenced to 74 lashes, a two-year ban on audiovisual activities, and a two-year ban on leaving the country. The legal proceedings follow a December 2024 YouTube video of a hypothetical ~~concert.~~ concert recorded at the Deir Gachin Caravanserai. Authorities ruled the performance violated religious and moral norms because Ahmadi appeared without a mandatory hijab and was accompanied by male musicians, characterizing the broadcast as “obscene and indecent material” that offended public decency. Defense lawyers argued the performance was a work of art without criminal intent and noted that the appeals court rejected the challenge without a hearing. They suggested the harshness of the sentence was intended to deter similar future events. The ruling has drawn social media reaction, including support from singer Googoosh, who expressed hope for women’s freedom of expression in Iran.

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