An Iranian appeals court has upheld a sentence of 74 lashes against popular singer Parastoo Ahmadi for performing without wearing the mandatory hijab. Ahmadi, 29, performed in a sleeveless dress during a concert livestreamed on her YouTube channel in December 2024. The performance quickly went viral, attracting millions of views. Iranian authorities later opened legal proceedings against the singer.
Under Iranian law, women are required to cover their hair and wear modest clothing in public. Women are also restricted from giving public musical performances. Iran’s judiciary said Ahmadi’s performance violated the country’s legal and cultural regulations. In June, a criminal court in Qom convicted Ahmadi and eight members of her band and production team of offences including offending public decency.
The court sentenced them to 74 lashes, a two-year ban from audiovisual activities, and a two-year travel restriction. Ahmadi’s lawyers said the higher court rejected their appeal on Friday without holding a hearing. One of her lawyers told the BBC that the concert should not have been treated as a crime. The lawyer also said the original court imposed one of the harshest punishments available for the alleged offences.
The sentence has attracted criticism from Iranian musicians and human rights organisations. Exiled Iranian singer Googoosh criticised the punishment and called for women to regain the freedom to choose how they live and dress. Googoosh also called for greater freedom for artistic expression. Musician Hossein Alizadeh also criticised the sentence, saying he was willing to take 70 lashes in Ahmadi’s place.
Amnesty International condemned the punishment, saying flogging amounts to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and violates the prohibition of torture and other ill treatment. The case comes amid continued tensions over Iran’s compulsory hijab rules. The rules became a major focus of nationwide protests following the 2022 death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini.
Since then, many Iranian women have appeared in public without head coverings in defiance of the dress code. Iranian authorities have responded with arrests, warnings, and other measures. The decision to uphold the sentence appears to be aimed at discouraging similar performances in the future. Ahmadi’s lawyers had the option of requesting a hearing but were not granted one.
The Iranian government has faced criticism for its treatment of women and restrictions on artistic expression. The case of Parastoo Ahmadi has sparked a renewed debate about the country’s laws and their enforcement. The appeals court’s decision has been seen as a setback for those advocating for greater freedom and flexibility in Iranian society.
Key points
- Iranian appeals court upholds 74-lash sentence for singer Parastoo Ahmadi.
- Sentence sparks criticism from Iranian musicians and human rights organisations.
- Case highlights tensions over Iran’s compulsory hijab rules.
