Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleMaira ButtSaturday 20 June 2026 08:01 BST2025 video: Iran to release singer who defied regime by performing without a hijabIranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi has been sentenced to 74 lashes for performing without a hijab during a live-streamed YouTube concert in 2024.Eight other musicians and production team members, including photographer Tahmineh Monzavi, received the same sentence from the criminal court of Qom province.The group faces charges of offending public decency and publishing “vulgar and immoral content” online, alongside a two-year ban from leaving the country and engaging in artistic activities.Human rights groups, such as the US-based Center for Human Rights in Iran, condemned the punishment.Legal experts noted that singing by women is not criminalised under Iranian law, making the charges of “obscene content” questionable.In fullIranian singer sentenced to 74 lashes for performing without hijab, says human rights groupThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in