20.08.2026 17:50
Iranian music artist Hiva Seyfizadeh was sentenced to 4 years in prison by the Iranian judiciary following a live performance at a cultural center in Tehran. The artist, who was detained after an event where she performed poems by the master classical Persian poet Saadi, reacted to the charge of 'spreading depravity and prostitution' leveled against her.
Iranian musician Hiwa Seyfizadeh announced that she was sentenced to 4 years in prison by the Iranian judiciary on charges of "spreading corruption and prostitution" due to a music performance she gave in 2025. Seyfizadeh announced the decision in a video published on her social media account, while also reacting to the accusation.
DETAINED AFTER HER PERFORMANCE ON STAGE
The basis of Seyfizadeh's case is a performance she gave in February 2025 at the Emarat-e Roubrou cultural center in Tehran.
The artist stated that she performed several poems by Iranian poet Saadi during the performance. Security forces intervened in the event on February 27, 2025, and detained Seyfizadeh and some team members.
Officials of the then Iranian Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance stated that the event did not have the necessary permission. In Iran, there are serious restrictions on women singing alone before a mixed audience that includes men.
"I QUESTION HOW THIS CONSTITUTES SPREADING CORRUPTION AND PROSTITUTION"
Seyfizadeh reacted to the justification for the 4-year prison sentence given to her.
The artist stated that she only performed a few poems by Saadi in her performance and questioned how this was evaluated as "spreading corruption and prostitution." Following the decision, Seyfizadeh requested that the case be reconsidered in the appeals court.
HER INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT WAS ALSO BLOCKED
It was reported that after Seyfizadeh's detention, her Instagram account was also blocked by Iran's cyber police. It was stated that the account contained a notice saying that "criminal content" had been published and that it was contrary to public morality.
DISCUSSION OF PRESSURE ON FEMALE ARTISTS
Seyfizadeh's case has brought restrictions on stage performances by female artists in Iran back to the agenda.
While there are restrictions in Iran on women performing solo before a mixed audience that includes men, recently, female artists sharing music via social media have also faced legal and administrative pressures.
Seyfizadeh, on the other hand, announced that she would appeal the 4-year prison sentence and continue to pursue her case through legal channels.