An appeals court in Tehran has upheld a sentence against Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi, who will face 74 lashes over a public performance without a hijab.

Ahmadi’s lawyers said that the appeals court confirmed the earlier ruling without holding a hearing. The defense said it believes the punishment is intended in part to deter similar performances in the future, according to the BBC.

The lawyers also argued that they do not consider the concert a crime and described the sentence as one of the harshest penalties that could be imposed for such allegations, saying fines or other less severe measures could have been used.

Ahmadi performed with her band on December 11, 2024, in a concert streamed on her YouTube channel. She appeared in a black, off-the-shoulder dress with her hair uncovered and without a hijab.

Under Iran’s rules, women face restrictions on performing solo in front of mixed-gender audiences and appearing in public without a hijab.

The livestream attracted around 500,000 views within its first 24 hours, while the number of views had approached 3 million by summer 2026.

Members of Ahmadi’s band have also been sentenced to flogging. In addition, Ahmadi and the other members have reportedly been banned from leaving Iran and from engaging in artistic activities for two years.