Story Content

Iran has sentenced Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi, 29, to 74 floggings and eight members of her production team for not wearing a headscarf. The Criminal Court of Qom province sentenced them to “attacking public decency” for performing a patriotic song in a concert on the social network YouTube in an empty theater in 2024 with a mixed-gender band, led by Ahmadi. The video has received almost 3 million views.

Along with the corporal punishment, the group will also be banned from traveling and artistic activities for two years. Although international pressure was mounting against Iran, human rights groups have sharply attacked the verdict as another instance of the country's rising cultural repression.

The case has gained international attention, as activists have pointed to it as one of the many women's and art restrictions. Ahmadi's performance violated the hijab law, which is mandated by the morality police. A hearing on the appeal of these sentences will be held. This development comes amid ongoing debates about women’s rights and freedom of expression in the Islamic Republic, echoing past protests.