Iranian singer sentenced to 74 lashes for performing without hijab

A court in Iran has sentenced singer Parastu Ahmadi and several members of her music group to 74 lashes each for publishing "obscene and immoral content," according to the indictment. The singer has also been banned from music activities for two years and banned from leaving the country.

The incident originally occurred in December 2024, when 29-year-old Parastu Ahmadi performed a patriotic song in a live online performance. At that time, she appeared on stage without a hijab, which was widely shared on social media and went viral.

Later, Iranian authorities detained her and several members of her group. Although they were later released on bail, the trial against them continued and the verdict was finally announced.

The verdict has sparked international criticism. Human rights activists say it is an example of a major crackdown on freedom of art and expression. They claim that such a harsh punishment for just singing and dressing is against human rights.

Human rights groups also say that such harsh measures against artists in Iran are not new and are seen as part of the government's crackdown on critical voices.

However, a section of lawyers claim that the legal basis of the ruling is questionable and that the current law does not clearly mention performing music as a crime.