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Jun 18, 20261
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Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi sentenced to 74 lashes for performing without hijab
Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi and eight members of her production team have been sentenced to 74 lashes, a two-year travel ban, and a two-year artistic work ban following a December 2024 YouTube performance in which she appeared without a hijab. Authorities accused them of producing obscene and immoral content.


Quick Facts
Who
Parastoo Ahmadi
What
Performed live concert on YouTube without hijab
When
December 2024 - live YouTube performance
Where
Iran
- Performed live concert on YouTube without hijab
- Security forces raided home
- Arrested and detained
- Released under judicial supervision
- Indictments filed
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.
Why This Matters
This case illustrates the continued enforcement of Iran's strict cultural and dress code regulations, with severe judicial penalties applied to artistic expression. For international observers, it highlights tensions between personal freedoms and state control in Iran, while for artists and performers globally, it underscores the risks faced by those challenging religious dress requirements in theocratic states.
Timeline & Sources
Dec 15, 2024
WirePianists Ehsan Beiraqdar and guitarist Soheil Faqih-Nasiri released under judicial supervision
Dec 16, 2024
WireParastoo Ahmadi released from detention around 3 a.m. under judicial supervision
Dec 23, 2024
WireIndictments filed against all nine individuals; all released on bail
Jun 18, 2026
WireSentence announced: 74 lashes, two-year travel ban, and two-year prohibition on artistic activity for all nine individuals