Iran Sentences Singer Parastoo Ahmadi and Artists to 74 Lashes for YouTube Concert
An Iranian court in Qom sentenced singer Parastoo Ahmadi and seven other artists to 74 lashes each for broadcasting a concert on YouTube, according to the platform Emtedad and videographer Tahmineh Monzavi. The ruling follows a December 2024 performance that violated national laws regarding female public singing and dress codes.
Why was Parastoo Ahmadi sentenced?
The provincial criminal court of Qom issued the sentence on charges of “attack on modesty” for producing and distributing “vulgar and immoral” internet content, according to Emtedad. The court also imposed a two-year ban on all artistic activities and a prohibition on leaving the country for all eight individuals involved.
Videographer Tahmineh Monzavi confirmed these penalties in an Instagram post on Thursday. While the judicial site Mizan Online reported that a complaint was filed for interpreting songs “without respect for legal and religious norms,” it did not confirm the specific sentence of 74 lashes.
What were the details of the YouTube concert?
The performance, streamed live in December 2024, took place in a traditional caravanserai. Ahmadi performed songs described as having themes of strength and melancholy in a dimly lit, empty room decorated with a single Persian rug.
Ahmadi wore a long strap dress and red lipstick. She was accompanied by a bassist, a guitarist, a drummer, and a pianist, all of whom wore black. Under Iranian law, women are prohibited from singing in public and must wear veils and clothing that covers their form.
How does this case fit into Iran’s current climate?
The lyrics of the concert included references to young Iranians detained for protesting against authorities. This occurs as more Iranian women appear without the hijab, a trend that grew after the September 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for dress code violations.
National protests peaked in January before the United States and Israel entered a war against Iran. The artists involved in the concert were placed in provisional detention shortly after the video’s release before being released on bail, according to Iranian media.
What may happen next?
The artists may face the execution of the lash sentences if legal appeals are exhausted. The two-year ban on artistic work could potentially limit the group’s ability to produce new content within the country.
Given the high view count of the original video, the case may lead to increased scrutiny of other digital performances hosted on international platforms like YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was sentenced alongside Parastoo Ahmadi?
Seven other artists, including a pianist, a drummer, a guitarist, and a bassist, were sentenced to 74 lashes each.
What specific laws were violated?
The artists were charged with “attack on modesty” and failing to respect “legal and religious norms,” specifically regarding the ban on women singing in public and mandatory dress codes.
Where was the sentence handed down?
The sentence was issued by the provincial criminal court in Qom, a holy city in northern Iran.
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