[Sportschosun Jang Jong-ho] An Iranian female singer is facing controversy after reports said she was sentenced to 74 lashes, a travel ban, and a ban on artistic activities for not wearing a hijab during a YouTube performance.
According to foreign media outlets, including Daily Mail, Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi, 29, appeared in an online concert last December with four male musicians and no audience.
At the time, Ahmadi wore a black sleeveless dress and sang "Az Hoseh Janabaneh Vatan (From the blood of the youth of the homeland)" without a hijab.
The performance video was later posted on YouTube, where Ahmadi introduced herself by saying, "I am a girl who wants to sing for people."
The video drew widespread attention, racking up millions of views worldwide. YouTube is officially blocked in Iran, but the clip spread rapidly overseas.
Ahmadi and the band members were arrested by Iranian authorities shortly after the performance and later released.
However, prosecutors in Iran pursued formal charges, and a court recently reportedly sentenced Ahmadi and the other performers to 74 lashes, a two-year ban on foreign travel, and a two-year ban on artistic activities.
In Iran, solo public performances by women are tightly restricted. Since the Iranian Revolution of 1979, women have effectively been barred from singing alone in public or performing solo before mixed-gender audiences.
At present, female vocalists may perform before male audiences only as part of a choir, while singing at venues attended only by women is allowed.
Women are also not allowed to appear without a hijab in front of men who are not family members.
The Islamic Consultative Assembly passed a tougher hijab and chastity bill last year. The measure requires girls and women aged 12 and older to wear a hijab and sets out penalties ranging from fines to long prison terms for violations. Some serious cases can even carry the death penalty.
Authorities are also reportedly expanding surveillance systems to monitor whether women comply with dress rules in online spaces and public places.
Jang Jong-ho, bellho@sportschosun.com
