A popular Iranian singer and members of her production team have had their sentences upheld by a court for violating the country’s hijab laws during an online concert, which drew widespread attention. The ruling includes a 74-lash punishment for the singer, described by rights groups as a form of torture. Authorities deemed the performance a breach of "legal and cultural norms," labeling it as "obscene and vulgar." The case reflects ongoing enforcement of strict dress codes in the country.
Iranian court upholds sentence against 29-year-old star Parastoo Ahmadi and other musicians in crackdown on women flouting hijab lawAn Iranian court’s decision to uphold a sentence of 74 lashes against the popular singer Parastoo Ahmadi for performing without a hijab has sparked outrage among rights groups, who described it as “a form of torture”.In June, Ahmadi, 29, and eight members of her production team, including musicians, were sentenced by a court in the city of Qom over a concert that was streamed online in 2024, which went viral and racked up millions of views. The court said the group had violated the country’s “legal and cultural norms” and called the performance “obscene and vulgar”. Continue reading...
