Iran court upholds flogging sentence for singer who performed without hijab
An Iranian appeals court has finalized a 74-lash flogging sentence against 29-year-old independent singer Parastoo Ahmadi. Ahmadi and eight members of her production team were penalized after she performed without a mandatory hijab during a YouTube livestream. Alongside the lashes, the defendants received a two-year ban on artistic activities and a two-year travel ban. Human rights organizations condemned the penalty as torture, while Amnesty International demanded that authorities halt the scheduled floggings. The judiciary previously directed prosecutors nationwide to ensure strict enforcement of dress codes by police and licensed businesses amid an escalating crackdown.
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- ✓ An Iranian appeals court upheld a sentence of 74 lashes against singer Parastoo Ahmadi for performing without a hijab during an online concert, according to her lawyers.
- ✓ Iran suspended a controversial bill imposing harsher penalties on women refusing the hijab as the reformist president seeks improved Western relations following the Mahsa Amini protests.
What changed
An Iranian appeals court finalized the 74-lash flogging sentence against singer Parastoo Ahmadi, according to her lawyers.
Live updates
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Iran Appeals Court Upheld 74-Lash Sentence for Singer Without Hijab
An Iranian appeals court has finalized a 74-lash flogging sentence against 29-year-old independent singer Parastoo Ahmadi. Ahmadi and eight members of her production team were penalized after she performed without a mandatory hijab during a YouTube livestream. Alongside the lashes, the defendants received a two-year ban on artistic activities and a two-year travel ban. Human rights organizations condemned the penalty as torture, while Amnesty International demanded that authorities halt the scheduled floggings. The judiciary previously directed prosecutors nationwide to ensure strict enforcement of dress codes by police and licensed businesses amid an escalating crackdown.
Why it matters
The sentence against Ahmadi occurs as the Iranian judiciary pushes for rigorous enforcement of mandatory dress codes through police and licensed businesses. Meanwhile, the reformist president has suspended a controversial bill that would have imposed even harsher penalties on women refusing the hijab as part of an effort to improve Western relations following the Mahsa Amini protests. Iranian women musicians continue to defy state repression despite facing brutal punishments to reclaim freedom and choice.
What is confirmed
- An Iranian appeals court upheld a sentence of 74 lashes against singer Parastoo Ahmadi for performing without a hijab during an online concert, according to her lawyers.
- Iran suspended a controversial bill imposing harsher penalties on women refusing the hijab as the reformist president seeks improved Western relations following the Mahsa Amini protests.
What to watch next
- Whether Iranian authorities carry out the scheduled flogging sentence against Parastoo Ahmadi
- Further actions by Amnesty International and other rights groups regarding the punishment
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (5)
- en.parapolitika.gr — Iran suspends bill imposing harsher penalties on women ...
- www.tvcnews.tv — Iranian Court Upholds 74-Lash Sentence For Singer Who Performed Without Hijab - Trending News
- sussexbylines.co.uk — The Iranian women’s voices that will not be silenced
- www.wionews.com — Hijab News - Latest Hijab News, Breaking Hijab News ... - WION
- iran-hrm.com — Iran: Fatal Medical Neglect, Prison Abuses, and Flogging ...
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Iran Court Upholds Flogging Sentence for Singer Parastoo Ahmadi
An Iranian appeals court finalized a 74-lash flogging sentence against 29-year-old independent singer Parastoo Ahmadi. Ahmadi was penalized for performing without a mandatory hijab during a YouTube livestream. Alongside eight members of her production team, she also received a two-year ban on artistic activities and a two-year travel ban. Rights groups condemned the punishment as torture, while Amnesty International demanded that authorities halt the planned floggings. The judiciary recently ordered prosecutors nationwide to ensure strict enforcement of dress codes by police and licensed businesses as part of an escalating crackdown.
Why it matters
This ruling occurs amid a broader state campaign by the Iranian judiciary to strictly enforce mandatory dress codes across the country through police and licensed businesses. The targeting of cultural figures highlights ongoing friction between state authorities and artists defying mandatory hijab laws. Concurrently, regional tensions remain high as Iranian commanders issue warnings to the United States and host foreign diplomats to avert renewed hostilities.
What is confirmed
- An Iranian appeals court finalized a 74-lash flogging sentence against 29-year-old independent singer Parastoo Ahmadi for performing without a mandatory hijab during a YouTube livestream.
- Ahmadi and eight members of her production team received a two-year ban on artistic activities and a two-year travel ban.
- Amnesty International demanded that authorities halt the planned floggings.
- The Iranian judiciary ordered prosecutors nationwide to ensure strict enforcement of dress codes by police and licensed businesses.
What to watch next
- Execution of the scheduled flogging sentences against Parastoo Ahmadi and her production team
- Further directives or enforcement actions from the Iranian judiciary regarding mandatory dress codes
- Potential international diplomatic interventions or statements regarding the case
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.aljazeera.com — Iran | Iran | Today's latest from Al Jazeera
- www.cnn.com — Iran news - breaking stories, video and analysis | CNN
- www.iranintl.com — Home | Iran International
- en.wikipedia.org — Iran - Wikipedia
- en.wikipedia.org — History of Iran - Wikipedia
- simple.wikipedia.org — Iran - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- www.cbsnews.com — Live Updates: Russian foreign minister says he's visiting Iran for talks to avert return to "large-scale war"
- www.cnn.com — ‘The world will be amazed:’ Iran’s commanders prepare for ...
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Iran Court Upheld Flogging Sentence for Singer Parastoo Ahmadi
An Iranian appeals court finalized a 74-lash flogging sentence against 29-year-old independent singer Parastoo Ahmadi for performing without a mandatory hijab during a YouTube livestream. Ahmadi also received a two-year ban on artistic activities and a two-year travel ban alongside eight members of her production team. Rights groups condemned the punishment as torture, while Amnesty International demanded that authorities halt the planned floggings. The judiciary recently ordered prosecutors nationwide to ensure strict enforcement of dress codes by police and licensed businesses as part of an escalating crackdown.
Why it matters
Authorities are enforcing harsh repression of women that limits their freedom to sing and perform in public. The Tehran judiciary chief vowed legal action over mandatory hijab violations as part of an escalating state crackdown. Concurrently, the popular Iranian music group Pallett refused to play concerts in Iran after authorities barred a female band member from performing on stage.
What is confirmed
- An Iranian appeals court finalized a 74-lash flogging sentence against 29-year-old independent singer Parastoo Ahmadi for performing without a mandatory hijab.
- Ahmadi received a two-year ban on artistic activities and a two-year travel ban alongside eight members of her production team.
- Parastoo Ahmadi's performance took place in 2024 and garnered millions of views on YouTube.
- The popular Iranian music group Pallett refused to play concerts in Iran after authorities barred a female band member from performing on stage.
What to watch next
- Whether authorities execute the 74-lash flogging sentence against Parastoo Ahmadi
- Any additional enforcement actions by the Tehran judiciary chief regarding mandatory hijab violations
- Further responses from international rights groups or cultural organizations regarding the ban on female performers
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.iranintl.com — Tehran judiciary chief vows legal action over mandatory hijab violations
- www.rferl.org — Popular Iranian Band Refuses To Play After Authorities Bar ...
- theviolinchannel.com — Iranian Singer Sentenced to Flogging for Performing Without Hijab
- kurdistanhumanrights.org — Kurdistan Human Rights Network – Independent documentation of ...
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Iran Court Upholds Flogging for Singer Without Hijab
An Iranian appeals court finalized a 74-lash flogging sentence against 29-year-old independent singer Parastoo Ahmadi for performing without a mandatory hijab during a YouTube livestream. Ahmadi also faces a two-year ban on artistic activities and a two-year travel ban alongside eight members of her production team. Rights groups condemned the punishment as torture, while Amnesty International demanded that authorities halt the planned floggings. The judiciary recently ordered prosecutors nationwide to ensure strict enforcement of dress codes by police and licensed businesses as part of an escalating crackdown.
Why it matters
Iranian authorities have intensified legal action against cultural figures and artists who challenge mandatory dress codes and social restrictions. The judiciary is pushing prosecutors nationwide to strictly enforce hijab regulations through police and licensed businesses. Human rights organizations warn that the regime is increasingly relying on severe punishments and executions to suppress dissent.
What is confirmed
- An Iranian appeals court finalized a 74-lash flogging sentence against 29-year-old independent singer Parastoo Ahmadi.
- Parastoo Ahmadi was punished for performing without a mandatory hijab during a YouTube livestream.
- Ahmadi faces a two-year ban on artistic activities and a two-year travel ban alongside eight members of her production team.
- Rights groups condemned the punishment as a form of torture, while Amnesty International demanded that authorities halt the planned floggings.
- The judiciary ordered prosecutors nationwide to ensure strict enforcement of dress codes by police and licensed businesses.
Still unconfirmed
- Rights groups warn of the Tehran regime's increasing use of executions to suppress dissent, with at least 600 this year.
- The fusion music band Pallett cancelled a national tour because authorities barred its female musician from performing on stage.
What to watch next
- Whether authorities proceed with carrying out the 74-lash flogging sentence against Parastoo Ahmadi
- Further actions by international human rights organizations and Amnesty International regarding the sentenced artists
- Additional enforcement measures by the Iranian judiciary against other cultural figures and music groups
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.theguardian.com — Iranian woman handed death sentence for ‘blasphemy’ in social ...
- www.voanews.com — Popular Iranian band cancels national tour, citing Islamist ban on its female musician performing on stage
- gempak.com — Tampil Tanpa Hijab Dalam Muzik Video, Penyanyi Iran Hampir ...
- www.wionews.com — Iran court sentences pop singer Tataloo to death for ... - WION
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Iran Court Upheld Flogging Sentence for Singer Parastoo Ahmadi
An Iranian appeals court finalized a 74-lash flogging sentence against 29-year-old independent singer Parastoo Ahmadi for performing without a mandatory hijab during a YouTube livestream. Rights groups condemned the punishment as a form of torture, while Amnesty International demanded that authorities halt the planned floggings. Ahmadi also faces a two-year ban on artistic activities and a two-year travel ban alongside eight members of her production team. The judiciary recently ordered prosecutors nationwide to ensure strict enforcement of dress codes by police and licensed businesses as part of an escalating crackdown on cultural figures.
Why it matters
The case highlights the intensifying pressure applied by Iranian authorities against artists, musicians, writers, and cultural figures. Ahmadi broadcasted her performance unmasked on a dimly lit stage in late 2024, singing mournful songs and the historic patriotic anthem Az Khoon-e Javanan-e Vatan in defiance of Islamic Republic laws. This judicial action aligns with a broader state strategy pulling peaceful voices into coercive security and judicial systems to suppress dissent.
What is confirmed
- An Iranian court upheld a sentence of 74 lashes against popular singer Parastoo Ahmadi, 29, for performing without a hijab.
- Ahmadi received a two-year ban on artistic activities and a two-year travel ban alongside eight members of her production team.
- Rights groups condemned the sentence as a form of torture.
- Amnesty International demanded that Iranian authorities halt the planned floggings.
Still unconfirmed
- Parastoo Ahmadi and several musicians will be publicly flogged as per an order by the Qom court, according to rights activists.
What to watch next
- Whether international pressure from groups like Amnesty International will halt the planned floggings of Ahmadi and her production team.
- Further enforcement actions by prosecutors and police following the nationwide directive on strict dress code compliance.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.wionews.com — Who is Parastoo Ahmadi, sentenced to 74 lashes in Iran for ...
- yalibnan.com — Iranian authorities target artists, writers, poets musicians and other cultural figures in escalating cra....
- news.corticorp.com — Iranian singer's 74-lash sentence for performing without ...
- www.alexandre-langlois.fr — L'Iran condamne un chanteur à 74 coups de fouet pour avoir ...
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Iran Court Upholds Flogging Sentence For Singer Parastoo Ahmadi
An Iranian appeals court finalized a sentence of 74 lashes against singer Parastoo Ahmadi for performing without a mandatory hijab during a livestreamed concert. Ahmadi also faces a two-year travel ban and a two-year ban on artistic activities alongside eight members of her production team. The case stems from an online performance where Ahmadi sang mournful songs without a headscarf on a dimly-lit stage. Amnesty International has demanded that Iranian authorities halt the planned floggings. Meanwhile, the judiciary ordered prosecutors nationwide to ensure strict enforcement of dress codes by police and licensed businesses.
Why it matters
This ruling occurs amid a broader judicial crackdown on women defying Iran's mandatory hijab laws. The judiciary spokesman directed police to refer unveiled women directly to the courts while mandating that licensed businesses enforce the dress code. The legal action against Ahmadi and her team highlights ongoing tensions over artistic expression and state-enforced religious dress.
What is confirmed
- An Iranian appeals court upheld a sentence of 74 lashes against singer Parastoo Ahmadi for performing without a hijab.
- Ahmadi performed without a hijab during a livestreamed concert on a dimly-lit stage.
- The defendants received a two-year travel ban and a two-year ban on artistic activities.
- Amnesty International demanded that Iranian authorities halt the planned floggings.
- The judiciary spokesman stated that police must refer women seen without the hijab to the courts, and licensed businesses must enforce the dress code.
What to watch next
- Whether Iranian authorities proceed with carrying out the flogging sentences against Ahmadi and her musicians.
- Further enforcement actions by prosecutors and police against businesses or individuals defying hijab mandates.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- grungecake.com — Iran’s appeals court confirms flogging sentence for hijab-free singer Parastoo Ahmad
- www.lawinspects.com — Parastoo Ahmadi Concert Legal Case: Why Iranian Singer Was ...
- news.corticorp.com — Singer's flogging sentence upheld in Iran's hijab crackdown
- theinsightinternational.com — Iran orders prosecutors nationwide to pursue women who defy ...
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Iran Appeals Court Upheld Flogging For Singer Parastoo Ahmadi
An appeals court in Qom finalized punishments for 29-year-old singer Parastoo Ahmadi and eight musicians, upholding sentences of 74 lashes each after they performed without a mandatory hijab during a livestreamed concert. Amnesty International demanded that Iranian authorities halt the planned floggings. Alongside the lash sentences, the defendants received a two-year travel ban and a two-year ban on artistic activities. The case stems from an online performance where Ahmadi sang mournful songs without a headscarf on a dimly-lit stage.
Why it matters
The ruling highlights an ongoing state crackdown against women defying mandatory hijab regulations in Iran. Courts have increasingly targeted cultural figures who share unapproved content on digital networks. Human rights organizations classify corporal punishment such as public floggings as a violation of international torture prohibitions.
What is confirmed
- An appeals court in Qom upheld the convictions and sentences on Sept. 25, making the rulings final and enforceable.
- Amnesty International urged Iran to halt plans to flog singer Parastoo Ahmadi and eight musicians.
- Ahmadi and the others were each sentenced in June to 74 lashes, a two-year travel ban and a two-year ban on artistic activities.
- The concert featured Parastoo Ahmadi singing mournful songs to an empty audience on a dimly-lit stage in the grounds of a traditional caravanserai complex, backed by a pianist, drummer, guitarist and bassist.
- All the musicians wore black during the livestreamed performance on YouTube.
What to watch next
- Execution of the flogging sentences by Iranian authorities
- Further international sanctions or statements from human rights bodies
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.iranintl.com — Amnesty urges Iran to halt flogging of female singer Parastoo Ahmadi
- www.hindustantimes.com — Amnesty says Iran must halt plans to flog singer, musicians
- theinsightinternational.com — Amnesty urges Iran to halt 74-lash sentence for singer ...
- www.pulse.com.gh — Iranian singer loses appeal against 74-lash sentence after ...
- ghanaguardian.com — Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi loses appeal against 74-lash ...
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Iran Appeals Court Upgrades Flogging Sentence for Singer
An Iranian appeals court finalized a sentence of 74 lashes against 29-year-old singer Parastoo Ahmadi for performing without a mandatory hijab during a livestreamed concert. Ahmadi and her band members were convicted of offending public decency through the publication of immoral and obscene content on cyberspace platforms. The enforcement includes a two-year travel ban and a two-year ban on audiovisual activities, handed down without a court hearing. Rights groups have condemned the punishment as a form of torture amid an ongoing crackdown on women flouting hijab laws.
Why it matters
The ruling underscores the state enforcement of mandatory hijab laws against artists who distribute music online. Flogging sentences and professional bans have become standard tools used by authorities to suppress cultural expression that defies strict dress codes. Human rights organizations continue to monitor these penalties as part of a broader campaign against women challenging legal restrictions.
What is confirmed
- An Iranian appeals court upheld a sentence of 74 lashes against 29-year-old singer Parastoo Ahmadi for performing without a mandatory hijab during a livestreamed concert.
- Ahmadi and her band members were convicted of offending public decency by producing and publishing obscene and immoral content on cyberspace platforms.
- The court imposed a two-year travel ban and a two-year ban on audiovisual activities alongside the flogging sentence.
- The final and enforceable ruling was delivered without a court hearing.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of whether the 74 lashes have been physically administered to Parastoo Ahmadi
- Further statements from international human rights organizations regarding the finalized sentence
- Potential legal challenges or responses from Ahmadi's legal representation
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- dailynewnation.com — Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi sentenced to 74 lashes for singing without hijab
- hanahr.org — 74 Lashes Administered for Performing Music
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Iran Court Upholds Flogging Sentence for Singer Parastoo Ahmadi
An Iranian appeals court has upheld a sentence of 74 lashes against 29-year-old singer Parastoo Ahmadi for performing without a mandatory hijab during a livestreamed concert. Ahmadi and her band members were convicted of offending public decency by producing and publishing obscene and immoral content on cyberspace platforms. Alongside the flogging sentence, the court imposed a two-year travel ban and a two-year ban on audiovisual activities. The ruling is final and enforceable, delivered without a court hearing. Rights groups have condemned the punishment as a form of torture amid an ongoing crackdown on women flouting hijab laws.
Why it matters
The case stems from a December 2024 livestreamed concert on YouTube where Ahmadi performed wearing a sleeveless dress and without a veil, drawing millions of views online. Iranian authorities have intensified enforcement against women and artists challenging strict Islamic dress codes following widespread anti-government protests. The judiciary continues to rely on severe penalties, including corporal punishment and professional bans, to suppress public displays of non-compliance.
What is confirmed
- An Iranian appeals court upheld a 74-lash sentence for singer Parastoo Ahmadi after she performed without a mandatory hijab.
- Ahmadi was convicted of offending public decency and producing obscene content on cyberspace platforms.
- Ahmadi and her band members were also sentenced to a two-year travel ban and a two-year ban on audiovisual activities.
- The December 2024 concert was livestreamed on YouTube and drew millions of views.
What to watch next
- Execution of the 74-lash sentence against Parastoo Ahmadi and her band members
- Further international or human rights organization responses to the final ruling
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (13)
- BBC — Iran court upholds flogging sentence for singer who performed without hijab
- The Jerusalem Post — Iran court upholds 74-lash sentence for singer Parastoo Ahmadi
- Iran International — Iran court upholds flogging sentences for singer Parastoo Ahmadi, band members
- El Mundo America — Iran confirms the sentence of 74 lashes for singer Parastoo Ahmadi for singing without a veil in a virtual concert
- ua.news — Iran rejects musician’s appeal against 74 lashes — Jerusalem Post
- www.bbc.co.uk — Iran court upholds lashes sentence for singer who performed without hijab - BBC
- www.iranintl.com — Iran court upholds flogging sentences for singer Parastoo Ahmadi, band members | Iran International
- www.dailymail.com — Singer loses appeal against sentence of 74 lashes for performing without a hijab in Iran
- www.theguardian.com — Iranian singer’s 74 lashes for performing without a hijab ‘a form of torture’, say rights groups | ....
- www.legit.ng — Court upholds lashes sentence for singer who performed ...
- rocketnews.com — Iran court upholds flogging sentence for singer who performed ...
- www.jpost.com — Iran court upholds 74-lash sentence for singer Parastoo ...
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