Iran Court Upholds 74‑Lash Sentence for Singer Who Removed Hijab

TEHRAN — An Iranian court on Monday upheld a 74‑lash sentence against singer Parastoo Ahmadi for performing without a hijab, reinforcing the country’s strict morality laws that criminalise public displays of women’s veils.

Background of the Case

Ahmadi, a 28‑year‑old vocalist known for her pop‑influenced music, was arrested in 2024 after a concert in Tehran where she performed without a hijab. The act was deemed a violation of the Islamic Republic’s morality code, which requires women to cover their hair in public. The singer’s removal of the veil was captured on video and circulated online, prompting a police investigation.

Legal Proceedings

The case was brought before a morality court under the Iranian Penal Code, which allows for corporal punishment for offences related to public decency. In a decision published on 27 September 2026, the court confirmed a sentence of 74 lashes, a maximum penalty for “public defamation of the Islamic dress code.” The court cited the 2021 amendment to the morality law that increased penalties for non‑compliance.

Ahmadi had appealed the initial conviction, arguing that the performance was a form of artistic expression. The appellate court rejected the appeal, stating that the singer’s act “contravened the established norms of public morality.” The decision was announced by the court’s spokesperson, who said the sentence would be carried out in a private setting to avoid public spectacle.

Reactions and Context

Human rights organisations have repeatedly criticised Iran’s use of lashes for dress‑code violations. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) released a statement calling the sentence “a stark reminder of the state’s punitive approach to women’s autonomy.” The statement was issued after the court’s ruling and was shared by several Western media outlets.

Iranian authorities have defended the law as a safeguard of cultural values. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance said the court’s decision was “in line with the country’s legal framework and the protection of public morality.” The statement was issued on the same day as the court’s announcement.

Broader Implications

Ahmadi’s case follows a series of high‑profile incidents in which Iranian artists faced legal action for defying dress codes. In 2023, a popular singer was sentenced to 30 lashes for a similar offence, while a dancer was fined for a public performance without a veil. These cases have drawn attention from international observers and have been cited in discussions about the enforcement of morality laws in Iran.

Legal experts note that the 74‑lash sentence is the maximum under the current statutes for a single offence. The punishment is administered in a private setting, typically in a courtroom or a designated facility, and is intended to be a deterrent rather than a public spectacle.

Future Outlook

The Iranian judiciary has not announced any changes to the morality code, and the court’s decision is expected to remain in effect unless overturned by a higher court. Ahmadi’s legal team has indicated that they will seek a review of the sentence under the provisions of the Iranian Penal Code, though the likelihood of a successful appeal is uncertain.