Iran upholds 74-lash penalty for singer over hijab-law concert

Iran's appeals court upheld 74 lashes each for singer Parastoo Ahmadi and eight band and crew members. The punishment stems from a December 2024 YouTube concert where Ahmadi performed sleeveless without Iran's legally required headscarf. A Qom court convicted them of 'offending public decency.' Their lawyers say the appeal was denied without a hearing.