Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi has reportedly been sentenced to 74 lashes after performing in public without wearing a hijab, according to reports from Iranian media and human rights groups.
The 29-year-old singer faced legal action after a livestreamed performance known as the “Caravanserai Concert,” where she sang without a head covering.
The performance, which was shared online in 2024, gained widespread attention and sparked controversy among Iranian authorities. Reports state that a court in Qom province also issued additional penalties, including a two-year travel ban and restrictions on artistic activities for Ahmadi and members of her production team. The ruling reportedly accused them of producing and sharing content considered by authorities to violate public morality laws.
The reported sentence has drawn international criticism from activists and supporters of artistic freedom, who argue that punishing a singer for her performance represents a wider crackdown on women’s rights and freedom of expression in Iran.
Ahmadi’s performance became a symbol for many supporters who view her decision to sing without a hijab as an act of defiance against restrictions placed on female artists in Iran.
