Parastoo Ahmady Performs in Iran Without Mandatory Hijab to Uphold the "Women, Life, Freedom" Movement
Parastoo Ahmady, an Iranian singer and composer, boldly defied Iran’s strict mandatory hijab laws by performing a concert without the hijab. Her performance was broadcast live on YouTube under the title "Caravanserai Concert" on Wednesday night at one of Iran’s historic caravanserais. Her bold act drew significant attention and sparked widespread discussions on social media. Ahmady’s resistance is seen as a symbolic gesture amidst the ongoing fight for women’s rights and freedoms in Iran, amplifying the voices of countless women demanding change.
During the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement, Ahmady performed the classic anthem "From the Blood of the Youth of the Nation," which, after being widely shared on social media, led to her home being searched by security forces and a summons to Tehran's security court. In her opening statement at Wednesday’s concert, Ahmady declared.
"I am Parastoo; a girl who wants to sing for the people she loves. This is a right I could not forgo—singing for the land I love passionately. Here, in this part of our beloved Iran, where history and mythology intertwine, hear my voice in this imagined concert, and dream of this beautiful homeland..."
Shortly after the concert, which defied mandatory hijab laws, Iran’s judiciary filed charges against Ahmady and the event organizers. The official account of Mizan News Agency, affiliated with the judiciary, labelled the concert "illegal" and announced legal proceedings against the singer and her collaborators.
Ahmady's unveiled performance drew particular attention because, since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, public solo performances by women, even with mandatory hijab, have been banned, and their singing is prohibited from being broadcast on radio or television.
Milad Panahi-Pour, a legal representative, stated that legal cases have been opened for all involved in the event, including Ahmady. He added, "Unfortunately, we are unaware of Ms. Ahmady’s charges, the detaining authority, or her location, but we will pursue the matter through legal channels."
In response to the concert, Iran's state media announced the sealing of the historic Deir-e Gachin caravanserai in Qom, where the event took place and the dismissal of two cultural heritage officials in Qom for negligence. Reza Salehi Amiri, Minister of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, confirmed the dismissal of the province’s heritage and tourism directors and the manager of the Revitalization Fund of Historic Monuments. The caravanserai's manager was referred to court for violating operational regulations.
Ahmady and the musicians involved were summoned to Tehran’s moral security court on January 3, charged, and released temporarily on bail.
Watch the concert on YouTube: https://youtube.com/watch?v=oYcaDHEnhbU%3Fsi%3DRr_pEOBmbC27Fuow
Add new comment