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'She must have known ..,' Iran's Crackdown on Freedom of Expression! Singer Parastoo Ahmadi Arrested for Hijab-Free YouTube Performance, Netizens React

Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi's arrest for performing an online concert without a hijab has ignited global protests against Iran's strict dress code laws. Despite the risks, Ahmadi's performance symbolised her defiance for personal freedom and expression

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Parastoo Ahmadi

Image Credit: X (formerly Twitter)

27-year-old Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi was arrested by authorities in Sari City, Iran, after performing an online show without wearing the mandatory hijab. This incident has sparked global outrage and raised serious concerns about the continuing suppression of freedom of expression in the country. Ahmadi’s arrest followed her virtual performance on YouTube, which garnered over 1.5 million views and showcased her singing without the required hijab, in violation of Iran's strict dress codes for women.

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The charges against Ahmadi have not yet been officially disclosed, but it is widely believed that her failure to wear the hijab, particularly in the presence of male musicians, was the reason for her arrest. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has imposed strict rules on women, including mandatory hijab laws, which have been a subject of intense political and social debate. The hijab has come to symbolise both the regime’s control over women and the broader struggle for personal freedom.

Parastoo Ahmadi Arrested for Hijab-Free Performance

A video of this incident was uploaded on X by a user named “@HabibKhanT.” The caption read, “Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi was arrested after performing in this online concert without a hijab, openly defying Iran’s strict dress code laws.” Several users expressed their views in the comment section. One user wrote, “Why would she remove her hijab while it's a part of their rules?” Another said, “Did she perform the concert inside Iran? If so, she must have known she would be arrested.” A third added, “Praying for her!!!” A fourth user commented, “She's very brave, but I dread to think what might happen to her.”

Parastoo Ahmadi’s Defiance of the Hijab Law

Ahmadi’s performance was a personal expression of her passion for music and her desire to connect with her audience. In a message posted alongside her YouTube concert, she said, “I am Parastoo Ahmadi, a girl who wants to sing for the people I love. This is a right I could not ignore; singing for the land I love passionately.” This message resonated with many, as Ahmadi chose to defy the rules that restrict women’s rights in Iran, particularly the ability to express themselves freely.

Global Reactions and Support for Parastoo Ahmadi

The arrest of Iran singer Parastoo Ahmadi has drawn strong reactions from netizens around the world. The hashtag #FreeParastooAhmadi has been trending on social media, with many condemning the Iranian government’s actions and expressing support for Ahmadi's right to perform without a hijab. Online petitions calling for her release are also gaining traction, as people from different parts of the world rally behind her cause.

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