Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi sentenced to 74 lashes for performing without hijab

Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi has been sentenced to 74 lashes, a two-year travel ban, and a two-year prohibition on artistic activity after performing without a headscarf in a YouTube concert. Eight members of her production team and accompanying musicians have received the same sentence. Iranian authorities accused all nine individuals of producing and publishing "obscene and immoral content" on online platforms, according to reporting by the Hrana news agency citing BBC Persian.

The incident originated in December 2024 when Ahmadi, born in 1997, performed live on YouTube wearing a long black dress with her arms and neck uncovered and without a hijab, accompanied by four male musicians. Before the performance, she posted a message stating: "I am Parastoo, a girl who wants to sing for the people she loves. It is a right I cannot ignore; to sing for the country I love so much." The live stream prompted immediate government action, with security forces raiding her home and summoning her for questioning at the prosecutor's office.

Pianist Ehsan Beiraqdar and guitarist Soheil Faqih-Nasiri were arrested following the performance. Both musicians were released under judicial supervision on December 15, 2024, while Ahmadi was released around 3 a.m. the following day under similar conditions. Formal indictments were filed against all parties on December 23, 2024, after which they were released on bail.

The Mazandaran Province Police Command stated that Ahmadi was summoned and instructed to appear before judicial authorities following "the production and publication of a video by Ms. Parastoo Ahmadi that was deemed contrary to social norms and values." The case reflects ongoing tensions in Iran over cultural expression and women's dress codes, with the government enforcing strict regulations regarding hijab requirements and public performance standards.