Iran Sentences Singer and Entire Band Crew to Flogging Over Hijab Refusal

A court in Qom sentenced singer Parastoo Ahmadi and eight crew members—sound engineers, camera operators, and logistics staff—to 74 lashes each for a December 2024 YouTube concert where Ahmadi performed bareheaded. The ruling holds the entire team jointly liable for the performer's choice, a deterrent designed to multiply legal risk across creative work. Travel bans and potential career restrictions follow. The verdict can still be appealed.