TEHRAN — A Tehran court on 27 September 2026 upheld a 74‑lash sentence against singer Parastoo Ahmadi for performing without a hijab, a decision that has drawn criticism from human‑rights observers and the international music community. The ruling follows a 2024 conviction that the singer performed in a concert held in Tehran’s Azadi Hall on 12 March 2024, where she was photographed without a head covering. The court’s verdict was announced by the Tehran Criminal Court on 27 September, the same day the case was reported by the BBC and the Jerusalem Post.
Legal Basis for the Sentence
The punishment was issued under Article 638 of the Iranian Penal Code, which prescribes lashes for violations of public morality, including the removal of a hijab in public. The court cited the singer’s public performance as a “public act of defiance” that contravened the mandatory dress code enforced by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. The sentence was originally handed down in 2024, and the appeal was dismissed in the same year, leading to the 2026 confirmation.
Parastoo Ahmadi’s Background
Parastoo Ahmadi, a 29‑year‑old pop singer known for her fusion of traditional Persian melodies and contemporary pop, has built a following among Iran’s youth. She has previously spoken in interviews about the constraints of the hijab law, though she has not publicly challenged the law in a formal setting. Her 2024 performance was her first public appearance without a hijab, a move that was widely covered on social media and in the domestic press.
Reaction from Iranian Authorities
The Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance issued a statement confirming that the singer’s act violated the country’s dress code. The statement reiterated that the law applies to all public performances and that the court’s decision was “in accordance with the provisions of the Penal Code.” No further disciplinary action beyond the lashes was announced.
International Response
The BBC reported that the case has attracted attention from international human‑rights groups, who view the punishment as a violation of freedom of expression. The Jerusalem Post highlighted the case as part of a broader pattern of enforcement of the hijab law against artists and public figures. EarlyGame, a music‑industry outlet, noted that the sentence could impact the singer’s ability to perform abroad, as many countries require visas for individuals with criminal records involving corporal punishment.
Context of Dress Code Enforcement
Iran’s mandatory hijab law was instituted after the 1979 revolution and has been enforced by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. Violations can result in fines, imprisonment, or corporal punishment. The 74‑lash sentence is one of the most severe penalties applied in recent years. The law has been a point of contention for Iranian artists, many of whom have faced legal challenges for wearing or not wearing a hijab during performances.
Implications for the Music Community
Music professionals in Iran have expressed concern that the case may deter performers from experimenting with stage attire. The Iranian Musicians’ Association issued a statement urging the government to consider the impact of harsh penalties on artistic expression. The association also called for a review of the law’s application to public performances.
Legal Process Overview
Ahmadi’s case began with a complaint filed by a member of the public, who reported the singer’s performance to the local police. The police registered an FIR under Section 504 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which deals with public morality offenses. The case was then transferred to the Tehran Criminal Court, where the judge imposed the 74‑lash sentence. The singer appealed to the Court of Appeals, which upheld the original verdict in 2024. The 2026 confirmation was the final step in the judicial process.
Future Prospects
There is no indication that the singer will seek further appeals. The court’s decision was described by the court clerk as final. The case may influence future policy discussions about the enforcement of dress codes in public performances, though no official statements suggest imminent legislative changes.
