Iran Sentences Band's Entire Crew to Flogging for Singer's Hijab Refusal

A Qom court sentenced singer Parastoo Ahmadi and eight band and production-team members to 74 lashes each for a December 2024 YouTube concert where Ahmadi performed bareheaded. The ruling treats sound engineers, camera operators, and logistics staff as jointly liable for the performer's choice—a deterrent strategy that multiplies legal risk across creative work. The sentences include travel bans and potential artistic bans. The preliminary ruling is subject to appeal.