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Lashed for Singing: The Uncensored Iranian Film Defying the Mandatory Hijab

22 Aug 2026, 08:29 GMT By Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Live 2:38
Credit: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

An unauthorized Iranian film released for free on YouTube is stirring debate by openly challenging restrictions on women singing and Iran’s compulsory hijab rules. Bidad, or Outcry, directed by Soheil Beiraghi, was made without government approval and features the voice of Parastoo Ahmadi, a singer who was sentenced to 74 lashes after performing publicly without a head scarf. Parisa Sohbati from RFE/RL's Iran Tomorrow program explains.