The Iranian Singer Who Has Received 74 Lashes for Asking Women Not to Wear Hijab

This is about Mehdi Yarrahi, a well-known Iranian singer. He is in the spotlight after being the author of a song in which he asked women to stop wearing the well-known hijab. It is a situation that has provoked the anger of the religious community, as he has allegedly received 74 lashes for it.

This was reported by La Gaceta. Yarrahi has stated that "he is willing to pay the price of freedom" after the criticisms against the dress code imposed in Iran. After the mentioned lashes, "the case has been closed," stated Zahra Minuei, the singer's lawyer.

Through his X account, Yarrahi wanted to speak out after what happened. More specifically, he wanted to thank his lawyers and all those who have supported him in the process.

"He who is not willing to pay the price for freedom doesn't deserve to be free." "I wish you freedom," expressed the hopeful Iranian singer.

After the release of his song Roosarito (also known as Your Hijab in Persian), the singer and activist was arrested in 2023. For allegedly challenging the social and moral norms of the Iranian Islamic regime.

The lyrics of the song include the slogan Woman, Life, Freedom. A slogan that became a central symbol of the protests against the government after the death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for wearing the veil incorrectly.

Yarrahi received an initial sentence of two years and eight months in prison. However, in February 2024, a court changed the sentence, opting to impose house arrest due to health issues.

Even so, the last part of the sentence consisted of the controversial 74 lashes. It is a measure that has been severely criticized by organizations like the United Nations, according to the mentioned newspaper.

Protest Imposing the Hijab

In recent days, a protest in front of a school in Parla has brought the use of the hijab in public spaces, especially in the educational field, to the center of the debate. The gathering brought together feminist groups and Islamic collectives demanding the right of Muslim women to wear this garment without restrictions.

The hijab is a traditional garment in many Muslim countries and, for some sectors, represents an expression of identity and faith. However, others consider it an element linked to female submission and contrary to the values of equality that the left so strongly defends.