An appeals court in Iran has upheld a sentence of 74 lashes against popular singer Parastoo Ahmadi for performing without wearing the mandatory hijab, according to her lawyers.
Ahmadi, 29, performed in a sleeveless dress during a concert that was livestreamed on her YouTube channel in December 2024.
The performance quickly went viral and attracted millions of views. Iranian authorities later opened legal proceedings against the singer.
Under Iranian law, women are required to cover their hair and wear modest clothing in public. Women are also restricted from giving public musical performances.
Iran’s judiciary said Ahmadi’s performance violated the country’s legal and cultural regulations.
In June, a criminal court in Qom convicted Ahmadi and eight members of her band and production team of offences including offending public decency through the publication of what authorities described as obscene and indecent material.
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👉 JOIN WHATSAPP CHANNELThey were sentenced to 74 lashes, a two year ban from audiovisual activities and a two year travel restriction.
Ahmadi’s lawyers said the higher court rejected their appeal on Friday without holding a hearing.
One of her lawyers told the BBC that the concert should not have been treated as a crime.
The lawyer also said the original court imposed one of the harshest punishments available for the alleged offences, despite the availability of fines and other less severe penalties.
According to the lawyer, the appeals court had the option of holding a hearing but chose not to do so. He said the decision appeared to be aimed at discouraging similar performances in the future.
The sentence has attracted criticism from Iranian musicians and human rights organisations.
Exiled Iranian singer Googoosh criticised the punishment and called for women to regain the freedom to choose how they live and dress, while also calling for greater freedom for artistic expression.
Musician Hossein Alizadeh also criticised the sentence, saying he was willing to take 70 lashes in Ahmadi’s place.
Amnesty International also condemned the punishment, saying flogging amounts to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and violates the prohibition of torture and other ill treatment.
The case comes amid continued tensions over Iran’s compulsory hijab rules.
The rules became a major focus of nationwide protests following the 2022 death in custody of 22 year old Mahsa Amini.
Since then, many Iranian women have appeared in public without head coverings in defiance of the dress code. Iranian authorities have responded with arrests, warnings and other measures.
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