An appeals court in Iran has confirmed a 74‑lash sentence for 29‑year‑old singer Parastoo Ahmadi after a livestreamed concert in December 2024. The performance, which featured Ahmadi in a sleeveless dress, went viral on her YouTube channel and drew millions of views.
Iranian law requires women to cover their hair and wear modest clothing in public, and public performances by women are prohibited. The judiciary opened proceedings against Ahmadi following the broadcast, describing it as a violation of the country’s legal and cultural regulations.
In June, a criminal court in Qom found Ahmadi and eight members of her band and production team guilty of offences including “offending public decency” through the publication of “obscene and indecent material”. The appeal was rejected by a higher court without a hearing. “The Court of Appeal, despite having the option of holding a hearing, did not hold a hearing and upheld the judgment,” one lawyer told the BBC, adding that the punishment was intended to deter similar events.
The sentence sparked widespread criticism from Iranian musicians and human rights groups. Exiled singer Googoosh wrote on Instagram, “May these dark days come to an end, and may women regain the freedom to choose how they live and dress, and may artistic expression once again flourish in our precious homeland.” Musician Hossein Alizadeh offered to take 70 lashes in Ahmadi’s place. Amnesty International condemned the flogging as cruel, inhuman and degrading, violating the absolute prohibition on torture.
The case comes amid ongoing tensions over Iran’s compulsory hijab rules, which intensified after the 2022 death in custody of 22‑year‑old Mahsa Amini. Since then, many Iranian women have defied the dress code in public, while authorities have responded with arrests and warnings.
