Iranian Singer Sentenced to 74 Lashes for Performing Without Hijab
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi was sentenced to 74 lashes for performing without a hijab at a concert, reflecting a possible tightening of religious rules for women under the current Iranian political order.
- The sentencing occurred after a video of her 2024 performance, showing uncovered hair, arms, and shoulders, went viral on YouTube, violating Iranian law.
- Ahmadi and eight band and crew members were tried in a closed court in Qom Province and banned from performing or leaving the country for two years.
- The verdict was announced shortly after Iran and the United States tentatively agreed to end a prolonged conflict in the Middle East, raising concerns about the future of artistic freedom and women’s rights in Iran.
- Two of the nine sentenced individuals were not in Iran at the time of the verdict, and the family member who disclosed the information requested anonymity due to fear of reprisal.
