Tehran: Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi has been sentenced to 74 lashes and handed a two-year travel ban after performing without a hijab during a viral online concert, sparking criticism from human rights organisations and artists around the world.
The 29-year-old singer was also barred from certain artistic activities following a court case linked to her December 2024 livestream performance, bringing renewed international attention to restrictions faced by women artists in Iran.
Viral performance led to legal case
The case stems from an online concert in which Ahmadi performed the patriotic song Az Khoone Javanane Vatan (From the Blood of the Youth of the Homeland) without wearing a hijab.
The concert, streamed on her YouTube channel, quickly gained millions of views and drew widespread attention both within and outside Iran.
Following the release of the performance, Ahmadi and several musicians involved in the production were detained before being released later.
Authorities subsequently opened a legal case against the singer and eight members of the production team.
According to court documents, the group was accused of producing and sharing what officials described as “vulgar and immoral content” online.
Human rights groups condemn verdict
The ruling has drawn strong criticism from human rights organisations, which argue that the punishment reflects continuing restrictions on freedom of expression and women’s rights in Iran.
Bahar Ghandehari, director of advocacy at the Center for Human Rights in Iran, criticised the verdict and said it highlighted the country’s human rights record.
“Ahmadi’s punishment of 74 lashes for merely singing and appearing without a hijab is yet another reminder that human rights conditions in Iran have not changed,” she said.
Human rights lawyer Moein Khazaeli also questioned the legal basis of the case.
He argued that singing, performing music and producing musical works by women are not criminal offences under Iranian law and therefore cannot reasonably be classified as the production or dissemination of obscene content.
Artists express support
The verdict has also prompted reactions from members of the Iranian arts community.
Iranian-British actor Nazanin Boniadi criticised the sentence, describing it as evidence of continued repression of women in the country.
She said the punishment demonstrated that the mechanisms used to suppress dissent and restrict women’s freedoms remained unchanged.
Actor Setareh Maleki also voiced support for Ahmadi, describing her performance as an act of resistance.
She praised the singer for continuing to assert her right to sing and express herself despite knowing the potential consequences.
Debate over women’s rights and artistic freedom
The case has become another flashpoint in the ongoing debate over women’s rights, artistic freedom and freedom of expression in Iran.
Restrictions on women’s public performances and dress codes have long been contentious issues in the country, drawing criticism from rights groups and activists.
Ahmadi’s punishment has once again placed a spotlight on the challenges faced by women artists in Iran and reignited discussions on the balance between state regulations, individual freedoms and artistic expression.
The case continues to attract international attention, with rights advocates calling for greater protections for freedom of expression and the rights of women in the country.