Iranian Appeals Court Finalizes 74-Lash Sentence for Singer Parastoo Ahmadi

Key points

• The Qom-based appeals court rejected Ahmadi's appeal, confirming the original sentence of 74 lashes, a two-year travel ban, and a two-year prohibition on audiovisual work.
• The case originated from a livestreamed concert in December 2024 that gained millions of views, which authorities labeled 'obscene and vulgar' and a violation of legal and cultural norms.
• The ruling is expected to be enforced within three months, following a 2024 'hijab and chastity' law that prescribes severe penalties for women promoting 'improper dressing.'
• Rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the Abdorrahman Boroumand Center, have condemned the sentence as a form of torture and a crime against humanity.
• The verdict coincides with a broader crackdown on dissent, occurring despite statements from Iranian officials that the ongoing war with the US and Israel has limited the regime's capacity for aggressive enforcement.

Background

This case follows the 2022 'Woman, Life, Freedom' protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, which led to widespread public defiance of hijab mandates. Recent archive coverage indicates that while the 2024 Hijab and Chastity Law was passed, its implementation has been uneven due to economic pressures and wartime constraints. The current ruling represents a judicial escalation in enforcing dress codes despite a reported decline in public compliance and ongoing protests at universities in Tehran.

How outlets are covering it

The Guardian and BBC emphasize the human rights violation aspect, citing lawyers who argue the appeal was rejected without a hearing solely to deter future artistic expression. The National News highlights the judiciary chief's recent rhetoric labeling hijab non-compliance as 'nudity' and 'social abnormalities,' framing the sentence as a deliberate act of violence to enforce compliance. Iran International reports the decision as final and enforceable, noting the broader context of intensified suppression during the conflict with the US and Israel. While all sources agree on the factual outcome of the 74-lash sentence, they differ in emphasis: Western outlets focus on the illegality of flogging under international law, while Iranian state-aligned narratives (referenced in secondary sources) frame it as a necessary measure against 'obscenity' and 'corruption.'

Why it matters

The upheld sentence signals a hardening of Iran's judicial stance on cultural and dress code violations, despite wartime constraints. It serves as a warning to other women and artists, potentially chilling public expression and artistic freedom. The case also highlights the tension between the regime's ideological enforcement and the reality of widespread public defiance, where many women continue to appear without hijabs in public spaces regardless of legal penalties.

What to watch

Ahmadi and her team are expected to receive the 74 lashes within the next three months. The ruling may trigger further international condemnation and diplomatic pressure, while domestic reactions could include renewed protests or increased underground artistic activity. The case may also influence the implementation of the 2024 Hijab and Chastity Law, potentially leading to more prosecutions for similar offenses.