Singer Faces 74 Lashes After Performing Without Hijab in Iran
Iran’s appeals court has confirmed a 74‑lash punishment for singer Parastoo Ahmadi after her December 2024 livestreamed concert, in which she performed in a sleeveless dress without a hijab. The decision comes after a criminal court in Qom convicted her, her band and crew of “offending public decency” and “obscene material.”
Ahmadi, 29, was tried for flouting Iran’s strict dress code that requires women over puberty to cover their hair and wear modest, loose clothing. A video of her performance went viral, amassing millions of views, and authorities argue it violates the country’s “legal and cultural regulations.”
The appeals court chose not to hold a hearing, citing the importance of deterring future “similar events.” Lawyers argued that the punishment was harsh and that fines would have sufficed. Human‑rights organizations, including Amnesty International, condemned the flogging as cruel, inhuman and degrading.
The verdict has reignited outrage on social media. Exiled singer Googoosh called for the end of “dark days” and the restoration of artistic freedom, while musician Hossein Alizadeh offered to take 70 lashes in support of Ahmadi. The case follows the 2024 flogging of Kurdish activist Roya Heshmati, who was punished for a photo without a hijab.
Iran’s enforcement of hijab laws intensified after protests sparked by the death of 22‑year‑old Mahsa Amini in custody. Since then, women have increasingly defied the dress code, though authorities have cracked down with arrests, warnings and business closures.
Political insiders have linked the strict enforcement to Iran’s strained international relations, noting that in conflict with the U.S. and Israel the government has focused less on internal “civil” matters. The situation remains volatile amid economic and social pressures that stir further calls for change.
