Iranian Singer Sentenced to 74 Lashes Over Online Concert Hijab Violation 

Iran: A criminal court in Iran’s Qom province has sentenced 29-year-old prominent female singer Parastoo Ahmadi, along with eight members of her production team, to 74 lashes each. The severe punishment stems from a December 2024 online concert livestreamed on YouTube, where Ahmadi performed a patriotic song without wearing a mandatory hijab. In addition to the corporate punishment of flogging, the court handed down a two-year travel ban and a two-year prohibition on engaging in any artistic activities. Iranian authorities formally penalized the artists under accusations of “offending public decency” and distributing “vulgar and immoral content” online. 

Legal significance 

The sentencing holds substantial legal significance both domestically and internationally. Under international law, judicial flogging is strictly categorized as a form of torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. This ruling highlights Iran’s ongoing breach of its fundamental commitments to safeguard human dignity and adhere to universal international human rights standards. 

The case sets a restrictive legal precedent regarding how state authorities govern cyberspace. It signals that private or independent digital broadcasts are being subjected to the exact same draconian, physical public-space dress codes and speech restrictions enforced on the streets.  Freedom of choice of costume is also in question here. 

📰 Source: Manorama Online (English)