19.06.2026 08:10
Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi has been sentenced to 74 lashes for an online concert without a hijab, which was watched by millions on YouTube in 2024. The court also imposed a 2-year travel ban and a 2-year ban from artistic activities on Ahmadi and eight members of her concert team.
Singer Parastoo Ahmadi, who gave an online concert without wearing a headscarf in Iran, and 8 members of her concert team have been sentenced to 74 lashes. The court also imposed a 2-year travel ban abroad and a 2-year ban from artistic activities on Ahmadi and her team members.
PUNISHED FOR ONLINE CONCERT
A notable ruling has been issued regarding singer Parastoo Ahmadi, who reached a wide audience with her online concert broadcast on YouTube in Iran in 2024.
The criminal court in Qom province accused Ahmadi and her 8-person team involved in preparing the concert of violating public morality by producing and publishing "obscene and immoral content."
The court sentenced Ahmadi and her team members to 74 lashes. Under the ruling, the artists are also banned from leaving the country for 2 years and from engaging in artistic activities for 2 years.
CONCERT WITHOUT HEADSCARF SPARKED DEBATE
Parastoo Ahmadi became the center of widespread debate in Iran with her online concert performed without a headscarf in December 2024.
The performance broadcast on YouTube was viewed by millions of people in a short time. Ahmadi's patriotic songs performed at the concert and her appearance on stage without a headscarf reignited discussions about restrictions on female artists in the country.
JUDICIAL PROCESS BEGAN AFTER THE CONCERT
Following the broadcast of the concert, the Iranian judiciary initiated proceedings against Ahmadi and her concert team. Judicial authorities argued that the performance did not comply with the country's "legal and cultural standards."
According to reports in the foreign press, the court's ruling assessed that Ahmadi and her team members violated public morality.
TWO-YEAR ART BAN
The court's decision was not limited to the lashing sentence. Parastoo Ahmadi and her team members were also banned from engaging in artistic activities for two years.
This decision became one of the most notable sanctions preventing the artist from performing on stage, giving concerts, and continuing her activities in the arts.
INTERNATIONAL REACTIONS INCREASE
The ruling also drew backlash in the international arena. Human rights advocates condemned the lashing sentence as a severe and inhumane punishment, highlighting increasing pressure on the right of female artists to perform and create.
Commentaries in the foreign press noted that the ruling against Ahmadi indicates a tightening of control over the cultural sphere in Iran.