In a recent incident in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Iranian authorities have subjected a well-known singer to flogging after he released a song online that encouraged women to remove their compulsory headscarves. The punishment for Mehdi Yarahi was linked to allegations of alcohol possession and consumption rather than his musical content, as reported by his lawyer, Zahra Minuei, on social media platform X. An unidentified official from Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency confirmed the grounds for Yarahi’s sentence, emphasizing the alcohol-related charges.
The punishment was executed comprehensively at the Tehran Morality Security Prosecutor’s Office, thereby closing Yarahi’s case, according to Minuei. Yarahi had gained attention for his song “Roosarito,” meaning “Your Headscarf” in Farsi, which featured a music video of women dancing without hijabs. Although his initial detention in August seemed to be connected to this video, it still remains accessible on the internet. After receiving the lashes, Yarahi took to X, making a statement hinting at his resilience toward the fight for freedom.
In Iran, it’s becoming increasingly common to see women in public without their hijabs, a notable shift since the death of Mahsa Amini and the widespread protests it ignited two years ago. Amini’s death in a hospital occurred following her arrest by morality police for not adhering to hijab regulations, triggering protests with the rallying cry “Women, Life, Freedom.” These demonstrations eventually evolved into calls for rebellion against the leadership of 85-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The rigorous security crackdown that ensued in response to these protests led to over 500 fatalities and the arrest of more than 22,000 individuals. Iran remains one of only two countries, along with Afghanistan, where the wearing of the hijab is enforced by law for women.
In contrast, recent online footage depicted women without headscarves attending the 12th Iran Interior Design Award ceremony, and men and women casually interacting by shaking hands. In response, the judiciary’s Mizan news agency announced that legal proceedings have been initiated against participants, organizers, and hosts associated with these events, for disregarding Iran’s legal regulations.
