Iranian Singer Faces 74 Lashes for Defying Hijab Rules at Concert

Parastoo Ahmadi, an Iranian singer, has been handed a brutal sentence of 74 lashes for daring to perform without a hijab during a concert. This incident took place two years ago, with the performance livestreamed on YouTube.

The concert featured Ahmadi delivering haunting melodies on a dimly lit stage, adorned only with a large Persian carpet. Accompanied by a pianist, drummer, guitarist, and bassist—all dressed in black—she sang to an empty venue.

Ahmadi donned a long, strappy gown and bold red lipstick, defying the strict regulations that prohibit women from singing publicly and mandate modest dress and headscarves.

Documents from the court reveal that the criminal court in Qom province convicted her and her bandmates for charges including offending public decency through the production and dissemination of “vulgar and immoral content” online.

All involved received sentences that included flogging, a two-year travel ban, and a two-year prohibition on artistic activities, as reported by the Guardian.

The concert, streamed on Ahmadi’s channel in December 2024, amassed around three million views, with additional views from reuploads. Her videographer, Tahmineh Monzavi, confirmed that the group has faced severe repercussions.

Monzavi expressed on social media: “Two years banned from artistic activities, banned from leaving the country, and 74 lashes for all of us.” The musicians were initially detained shortly after the performance in December 2024.

Local media indicated they were later released on bail, while judiciary sources reported that a case was opened for performing “music without observing legal and religious standards.”

Although Iranian state outlets have not verified the latest sentencing, the Reformist digital outlet Emtedad corroborated these claims recently.

Ahmadi and her collaborators were sentenced to 74 lashes, along with a two-year travel ban and a two-year ban on artistic endeavors. Emtedad’s Telegram post stated: “This verdict was issued by the Qom Provincial Criminal Court...”

The charges against them include harming public decency by producing and publishing vulgar and immoral content online. Among the lyrics Ahmadi performed were poignant references to young Iranians detained for protesting.

One line read: “The time of wine and blossoms came, the gardens dressed in Spring.” Another reflected her longing: “The captive birds, like my own soul that is in love with its homeland, are filled with longing.”

The legal targeting and corporal punishment of artists exemplify Iran’s ongoing crackdown on cultural defiance and women’s rights. Women face restrictions on solo singing in public and must adhere to stringent dress codes. Authorities frame performances like Ahmadi's as morality offenses, labeling them as “offending public decency” and producing “vulgar and immoral content” online.

“The charge against them is hurting public decency by producing and publishing vulgar and immoral content on the internet.”