Iranian singer jailed for four years for performing before men

Iranian singer Hiva Seyfizadeh has been sentenced to four years in prison on charges of "incitement to corruption and prostitution." The conviction follows her arrest in February 2025 during a concert in Tehran where men were present, according to human rights NGO HRANA, based in Washington.

Seyfizadeh, a performer of traditional music, was initially released on bail shortly after her detention. Her lawyer, Saeid Nemati, stated that the accusation against the 27-year-old artist is linked to the concert venue, Rooberoo Mansion, not having the necessary permit, and Seyfizadeh singing "in the presence of men." Iran's Islamic Republic strictly limits female singers, allowing them to perform only for women, without cameras, or as backup for male artists.

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incitement to corruption and prostitution

Authorities reportedly halted the concert while Seyfizadeh was performing her third song alone. She and her band members were subsequently detained. Seyfizadeh, who also teaches classical music, had previously supported the 2022 protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for improperly wearing the Islamic headscarf. The singer had also posted videos on social media singing with her hair uncovered.

This case is part of a broader crackdown on artistic expression in Iran. In June, singer Parastoo Ahmadi was detained for posting a video of herself performing without a veil in a historic caravanserai. Other musicians have faced severe penalties for works supporting the Amini protests, including Shervin Hajipour and rapper Tomaj Salehi, who initially received a death sentence that was later commuted, leading to his release.

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by singing in the presence of men