Iranian singer and band members sentenced to flogging for online concert

Sunday 21 June 2026 - 10:00

An Iranian court has reportedly sentenced singer Parastoo Ahmadi and several members of her musical group to corporal punishment following the online broadcast of a concert, according to statements shared by individuals close to the case and local media reports.

The case concerns a performance that was streamed online in late 2024 and later uploaded to video-sharing platforms, where it gained millions of views. In the recording, the artist performs in a symbolic and minimalist setting, accompanied by a small band including a pianist, drummer, guitarist, and bassist. The concert was presented in a traditional architectural space, emphasizing artistic expression despite strict limitations.

Iranian authorities have long enforced regulations restricting female singers from performing publicly in front of mixed audiences. Women are also required to follow strict dress codes, including wearing the hijab and modest clothing that conceals body shape.

Following the online dissemination of the performance, a court reportedly issued sentences of 74 lashes for Parastoo Ahmadi and seven other artists involved in the production. Additional penalties cited include bans on artistic activity and restrictions on international travel for a period of two years.

The case has sparked renewed attention to issues of artistic freedom and gender-based restrictions in Iran, where cultural expression is tightly regulated. Critics argue that such punishments highlight ongoing tensions between state policies and creative communities.

The video, which has accumulated millions of views online, continues to circulate widely on social media platforms, drawing international attention and debate over freedom of expression and women’s rights in the country.