Parastou Ahmadi’s performance in December 2024 has been viewed millions of times
An Iranian singer who performed without a hijab at an online concert has been sentenced to 74 lashes.The case sparked condemnation from human rights groups and artists around the world.Parastou Ahmadi, 29, was sentenced for a show that was broadcast live and attracted millions of viewers online. Eight members of the production team, including musicians, were also convicted in connection with the concert.The Iranian court ruled to flog him 74 lashes, prevent him from leaving Iran for two years, and prevent him from practicing artistic activities for two years. The charges included offending public morals by producing and publishing what authorities described as “vulgar and immoral content” online.The case stems from a December 2024 performance in which Ahmadi sang the patriotic song Az Khone Javanane Vatan (From the Blood of the Nation’s Youth) without wearing a hijab. The concert was broadcast live on her YouTube channel and went viral.Ahmadi and a number of musicians were arrested after the show. They were later released. The authorities opened an official legal case regarding the video.“Ahmadi’s 74 lashes for simply singing and appearing without a hijab is another reminder that human rights conditions in Iran have not changed, despite the Iranian authorities’ wartime propaganda campaign aimed at improving their image,” said Bahar Gandehari, director of the US-based Center for Human Rights in Iran.
Human rights lawyer Moin Al-Khazali also questioned the legal basis of the ruling.“Singing, performing music and producing or publishing musical works by women are not criminalized under Iranian criminal law. Therefore, these activities cannot be reasonably construed as producing, distributing or publishing obscene content,” he said.The ruling also sparked criticism from prominent figures in the Iranian arts community.Iranian-British actress Nazanin Boniadi said: “The sentencing of singer Parasto Ahmadi to flogging for singing in public without a hijab is a stark reminder that despite the talk in Washington about a ‘new regime’ in Iran, the mechanism of oppression in the Islamic Republic remains unchanged. Accommodating a regime that flogs women for their voices and kills citizens for demanding their rights only encourages it to continue on its authoritarian path.”
“Actor Satara Maleki described Al-Ahmadi’s performance as an act of resistance.She said: “When I watched the video of Parastou Ahmadi’s concert, it brought back the spirit of resistance within me. For several days, I continued to watch the videos over and over again, and I felt very proud of Parastou.”“Aware of all the consequences she will face, she still refuses to give up her right, as a woman, to live, sing and make her voice heard. Iranian women never stop fighting against tyranny, not even for a single moment, and that is truly remarkable.”
