Iranian security forces arrested singer Parastoo Ahmadi and released her over the weekend after she livestreamed a concert without mandatory hijab, defying Islamic Republic law.
Ahmadi was arrested in Mazandaran three days after publishing a YouTube performance of her unveiled show in a caravanserai. Her lawyer said they had no information about charges or detention.
Two band members were also detained, but all three were released by Sunday morning. The Judiciary claimed the concert violated Sharia principles and vowed “appropriate action” would be taken against Ahmadi and production team.
Despite being restricted, YouTube views on Ahmadi’s performance have exceeded 1.5 million in just three days. She described her show as hypothetical, citing a desire to sing for people she loves.
Iranian law prohibits solo female singing or public appearances without hijab. Ahmadi’s act challenged these restrictions and marked the latest in a series of protests using music as a form of resistance.
The government aims to curb what it sees as cultural transgressions, despite social media amplifying resistance to global audiences.
Source: https://www.iranintl.com/en/202412141719