Iran's appeals court has upheld a sentence of 74 lashes against singer Parastoo Ahmadi for performing without the mandatory hijab in a livestreamed concert last December. The court rejected the defendants' appeal without holding a hearing, confirming the conviction of Ahmadi and eight members of her band and production team on charges including "offending public decency". The harsh ruling highlights Iran's strict enforcement of dress codes for women, despite growing defiance following the 2022 protests that erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody.

In addition to the flogging, Ahmadi and her team were banned from audiovisual activities and prohibited from leaving the country for two years. Her lawyers criticised the decision, noting that the court had other options including fines and less severe penalties, and questioned why a hearing was not held despite the appeals process permitting one. The case reflects broader tensions in Iran over women's rights and artistic freedom, with musicians and human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, condemning flogging as torture and a violation of international law. Iranian authorities have intensified enforcement of hijab rules since 2022, responding with arrests and business closures as many women increasingly defy the mandatory dress code in public.