Iranian singer sentenced to four years for performing for men

Iranian singer Hiva Seyfizadeh has been sentenced to four years in prison for "inciting corruption and prostitution." The conviction stems from her arrest last year during a concert in Tehran where she performed in front of a male audience.

The singer, who also teaches classical music, was detained in February of last year. She was released on bail a few days later. The charges against the 27-year-old artist are based on the concert lacking official permission and Seyfizadeh singing "in the presence of men." In Iran, women are generally only permitted to perform for female audiences or as backup for male singers. Authorities reportedly stopped the concert during Seyfizadeh's third song.

Seyfizadeh had previously expressed support for the 2022 protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, who was detained for allegedly not wearing her hijab properly. The singer also posted songs on social media with her hair uncovered. This action follows a pattern of artists facing repercussions; singer Parastoo Ahmadi was recently detained for a similar concert performance without a veil, and musicians like Shervin Hajipour and rapper Tomaj Salehi have received severe sentences for their support of the protests.

The human rights organization HRANA, based in Washington, reported the sentence and stated that Seyfizadeh is seeking an appeal for an independent and thorough review of her case. HRANA also reported the recent arrest of rapper Armin Nourani, known as 'Khojasteh,' for videos supporting the protests, though he was later released after being compelled to record a video lamenting his actions.