Iran court upholds lashes sentence for singer who performed without hijab
An Iranian appeals court has upheld a sentence of 74 lashes against singer Parastoo Ahmadi and her band members after she performed without a mandatory hijab during a livestreamed concert. Ahmadi was convicted of offending public decency by wearing a sleeveless dress on a YouTube broadcast. The ruling also includes a two-year travel ban and a two-year ban on audiovisual activities. Rights groups have condemned the flogging sentence as a form of torture amid a broader government crackdown on women flouting hijab laws.
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- ✓ An Iranian appeals court rejected the appeal of singer Parastoo Ahmadi, upholding a sentence of 74 lashes.
- ✓ Ahmadi was convicted of offending public decency after singing in a sleeveless dress without a hijab during a livestreamed YouTube concert.
- ✓ Ahmadi and her band members were also handed a two-year travel ban and a two-year ban on audiovisual activities.
- ✓ Rights groups have condemned the flogging punishment as a form of torture.
What changed
An appeals court officially rejected the singer's challenge without a court hearing, declaring the 74-lash sentence final and enforceable.
Live updates
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Iran Court Upheld Lashes Sentence for Singer Parastoo Ahmadi
An Iranian appeals court has upheld a sentence of 74 lashes against singer Parastoo Ahmadi and her band members after she performed without a mandatory hijab during a livestreamed concert. Ahmadi was convicted of offending public decency by wearing a sleeveless dress on a YouTube broadcast. The ruling also includes a two-year travel ban and a two-year ban on audiovisual activities. Rights groups have condemned the flogging sentence as a form of torture amid a broader government crackdown on women flouting hijab laws.
Why it matters
The case highlights the ongoing friction between Iranian authorities and women challenging compulsory hijab laws since the 1979 Islamic revolution. This legal action coincides with separate crackdowns on artists and cultural figures over perceived violations of public decency and social norms. Analysts note that such rulings occur against a backdrop of deep economic strain and a tightening grip on social dissent.
What is confirmed
- An Iranian appeals court rejected the appeal of singer Parastoo Ahmadi, upholding a sentence of 74 lashes.
- Ahmadi was convicted of offending public decency after singing in a sleeveless dress without a hijab during a livestreamed YouTube concert.
- Ahmadi and her band members were also handed a two-year travel ban and a two-year ban on audiovisual activities.
- Rights groups have condemned the flogging punishment as a form of torture.
Still unconfirmed
- Exiled Iranian singer Googoosh criticized the punishment and called for women to regain the freedom to choose their attire.
What to watch next
- Execution of the flogging sentence and travel bans against Parastoo Ahmadi and her band members
- Further actions by rights organizations or international bodies regarding the treatment of Iranian artists
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (18)
- 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
- www.iranintl.com — Disease, drug shortages grip overcrowded Iran prison
- thenationalnews.com — Iranian court rejects appeal of singer sentenced to 74 lashes
- Legit.ng — Kotu ta tabbatar da hukuncin bulala 74 ga mawakiya saboda kin saka hijabi a Iran
- 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 ...
- www.jpost.com — Iran court upholds 74-lash sentence for singer Parastoo ...
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