Iran court backs 74 lashes for singer who performed without hijab

An appeals court in Iran has confirmed a sentence of 74 lashes handed to prominent singer Parastoo Ahmadi after she performed without the mandatory hijab, according to her lawyers.

Ahmadi, 29, performed in a sleeveless dress during a concert livestreamed on her YouTube channel in December 2024. The performance went viral and attracted millions of views.

Iranian law requires women to cover their hair and wear modest clothing in public. Public performances by women are also prohibited.

Iran’s judiciary opened proceedings against Ahmadi after the performance, describing it as being “in violation of the country’s legal and cultural regulations”.

In June, a criminal court in Qo...