By Islam Salah
Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi has been arrested after performing in a virtual concert without wearing a hijab. Her performance, which gained major attention online, has sparked both admiration and controversy.
Here’s what we know about Ahmadi, her performance, and the potential consequences she now faces.
Who is Parastoo Ahmadi?
Parastoo Ahmadi, a 27-year-old singer from the northern Iranian city of Nowshahr, has gained attention for her musical talent and defiance against the country’s strict dress code laws.
Ahmadi, who is also a pianist and studied directing at Soore University in Tehran, has built a following online with her performances. With over 47,000 subscribers on YouTube and 7,300 monthly listeners on Spotify, she has carved a space for herself as a rising talent in the Iranian music scene.
However, her latest performance has led to her arrest. Ahmadi’s YouTube concert, which aired in December 2024, featured her singing without the required hijab, a decision that has sparked significant legal and cultural controversy in Iran.
The Virtual Concert
Ahmadi’s virtual concert was a passion project she shared with her growing audience. The performance took place in a traditional caravanserai—a roadside inn in Iran—adding a cultural layer to her music.
During the concert, Ahmadi wore a sleeveless black dress, and her hair was uncovered. Accompanied by four male musicians, Ahmadi performed and expressed her love for her homeland and her audience.
Ahmadi’s Arrest
Ahmadi’s arrest came swiftly after her performance was made public. On December 14, 2024, she was taken into custody in Sari, the capital of Mazandaran province.
Authorities had filed a case against her just days before, as her concert violated Iran’s strict dress code laws, which mandate that women wear the hijab in public spaces and during performances.
Her decision to perform without a hijab, alongside male musicians, was a direct challenge to the country’s legal and cultural norms. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the hijab has been compulsory for all women in Iran.
This law has long been a source of tension, especially in the wake of protests following the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died in police custody after being arrested for not wearing her hijab properly.
What Charges Might She Face?
While the exact charges against Ahmadi have not been officially disclosed, the implications of her actions are clear. Iranian law prohibits women from appearing in public without a hijab, especially in the presence of men who are not their relatives.
Plus, female singers in Iran face restrictions on performing before mixed-gender audiences. Given these laws, Ahmadi could face charges related to public indecency, violating the country’s dress code, and potentially even endangering public order.
What’s Next?
Over the past few years, protests against the hijab law have become more vocal, and Ahmadi’s performance has now added fuel to this ongoing cultural debate. As her legal case unfolds, many are watching closely to see what this will mean for the future of women’s rights in the country.
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