Iran sentences an Iranian artist to 74 lashes for singing without a hijab

Iran has sentenced artist Parastoo Ahmadi to 74 lashes and banned her from practicing artistic activities for two years, after she performed in an online concert without wearing a hijab.

Ahmadi had previously sparked controversy during the 2022 protests that erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini, when she performed the song “From the Blood of the Youth of the Homeland.” According to rights groups and media reports, this led to her being summoned by security forces and her home being searched.

In December 2024, Ahmadi held a concert at a historic site in Iran, which was livestreamed on YouTube. She appeared without a hijab and with her shoulders uncovered during the performance, in what was seen as a direct challenge to Iranian laws.

Since then, Iran’s judiciary has opened a legal case against her and the production team, saying the concert was held without legal authorization and did not comply with the country’s legal and cultural standards. She was also accused of violating public morality over her appearance without a hijab.