74 Lashes For A Song: Iranian Artist Sentenced For Virtual Concert
18 Jun 2026, 14:26 GMT
By RFE/RL's Radio Farda, Will Tizard
Topic: Iran
Credit: RFE
Source URL: https://rfe-video-ns.akamaized.net/pangeavideo/2026/06/b/bf/bf8a7971-f09a-4538-3cc4-08decacf94d0_1080p.mp4?cb=ee1c6e256
Iranian authorities have sentenced singer Parastoo Ahmadi to a punishment of 74 lashes for performing in a YouTube video that has racked up 2.9 million views over the last two years. Ahmadi sang the well-known patriotic song From The Blood Of The Youth to an empty theater space in 2024 with the help of eight musicians and crew. They have also been sentenced to flogging, a travel ban, and a prohibition on any "artistic activities" for the next two years. Ahmadi was accused of "offending public decency" after she performed without a hijab, the head covering mandated by Iranian morality police.