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An appeals court in Qom has confirmed the punishment for Parastoo Ahmadi over a streamed 2024 concert, her lawyers say.
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An Iranian appeals court has upheld a sentence of 74 lashes for singer Parastoo Ahmadi following a concert she streamed online without the mandatory hijab, lawyers told the BBC. Iran International reported that the ruling by Branch 16 of Qom’s provincial appeals court also upheld two-year bans on her musical and audiovisual activities and on leaving Iran. [1] [2]
Ahmadi performed in a sleeveless dress during the concert, streamed on her YouTube channel in December 2024. A criminal court in Qom convicted her and members of her band and production team in June 2026. The charges included offending public decency through publishing material the court described as obscene or indecent. The trial court also cited her solo singing without a hijab, the presence of male musicians and the video’s circulation. [1] [2]
A defence lawyer told the BBC the concert was not a crime and said the appeal was rejected without a hearing, although less severe penalties were available. Iran International reported that the appeals court found no objection sufficient to overturn the judgment and no procedural fault in the earlier ruling. [1] [2]
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