Iranian Singer Flogged Amid Hijab Protest Song Controversy

Iranian singer Mehdi Yarrahi was flogged 74 times as part of his punishment for a song encouraging women to remove their hijabs, although official statements claimed the punishment was for alcohol possession. Yarrahi's song, 'Roosarito,' released amidst protests over Mahsa Amini's death, features lyrics urging women to 'take off your scarf' and sparked significant dissent against Iran's strict dress code. The sentencing included a prison term of two years and eight months, reflecting the harsh enforcement of Iran's morality laws. The incident highlights the ongoing tension in Iran regarding women's rights and the enforcement of compulsory veiling. Despite the official narrative, many perceive the punishment as a response to Yarrahi's vocal support for women's rights and freedom of expression. This incident has drawn broad condemnation from human rights groups globally, spotlighting Iran's severe penalties for dissent.