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Iranian Singer Parastoo Ahmadi, 27, Arrested for YouTube Concert Without Hijab, Garnering 1.5 Million Views, Released After Hours

Dec 15, 2024, 07:47 AM

Parastoo Ahmadi, a 27-year-old Iranian singer, was arrested for performing an online concert on YouTube without wearing a hijab, defying Iran's strict Islamic dress code. The concert, titled 'Hypothetical Concert,' garnered significant attention, amassing 1.5 million views. The performance took place in a historical caravanserai and featured Ahmadi in a long black dress, showcasing her hair. Following her arrest, two of her musicians, Ehsan Birghdar and Soheil Faghih Nasiri, were also detained at their music academy in Tehran. Reports indicate that their arrests were made without prior notice. Ahmadi was arrested in Sari City, Mazandaran province, and was released early Sunday morning after a few hours in custody. Her lawyer, Milad Panahipour, confirmed her release, stating that the authorities had initially claimed she was freed after a 'justification meeting.' However, Panahipour refuted this, asserting that Ahmadi was released around 3 a.m. on Sunday. The incident has sparked discussions about the ongoing restrictions on women's rights and artistic expression in Iran.