An Iranian court has reportedly handed down a sentence of 74 lashes each to prominent singer and seven other musicians over a livestreamed concert shared online, according to statements from associates and local media reports.
The group was also given additional penalties, including a two-year travel ban and restrictions on participating in artistic activities, following their arrest in connection with a performance published on YouTube in late 2024.
The concert, recorded at a historic caravanserai setting, featured Ahmadi performing alongside a small band in a stripped-back stage arrangement. The production, which was later widely circulated online, drew millions of views across platforms.
Reports say authorities took action shortly after the performance was published, accusing those involved of breaching regulations tied to public morality and approved artistic conduct. The case was later reviewed by a provincial criminal court in Qom, according to Iranian media outlets.
Videographer described the ruling on social media, stating that those involved in the project faced corporal punishment along with bans on leaving the country and engaging in artistic work for a set period.
The incident comes amid continued tension over cultural expression in Iran, especially involving women in music and public performance. Restrictions on female singing in public spaces remain in place under current regulations, alongside strict dress codes.
Ahmadi’s performance reportedly included lyrical themes referencing youth detention and social struggle, and has continued to circulate widely online despite official scrutiny.
The case has drawn renewed attention to Iran’s broader political and cultural climate, particularly since the wave of protests that followed the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, which intensified debates over personal freedoms and state regulations.
The development has also sparked international reactions, with global figures including former U.S. President previously commenting on tensions involving Iran, though not specifically on this case.
