Mehdi Yarrahi, a prominent Iranian singer and musician, was given 74 lashes as part of his punishment for supporting the protests that swept Iran. Yarrahi, known for his song encouraging women to remove their hijabs, faced severe consequences for his artistic expression.
His lawyer, Zahra Minoui, confirmed that the punishment was “fully and completely implemented.” The singer was arrested in August 2023 and sentenced to two years and eight months in prison by the Tehran Revolutionary Court, alongside flogging and a fine.
His case has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights activists, who see it as yet another example of Iran’s brutal crackdown on dissent.
The Song That Sparked Outrage
Mehdi Yarrahi’s arrest was linked to his song “Roosarito,” which translates to “your headscarf” in Farsi. The lyrics urged women to remove their headscarves and embrace freedom. Lines such as “Take off your scarf, the sun is sinking. Take off your scarf, let your hair flow,” became anthems of defiance against Iran’s compulsory hijab laws.
The song was released in August 2023, and just four days later, authorities detained him, accusing him of “releasing an illegal song that is against the morals and customs of Islamic society.”
Iran’s ruling establishment has long enforced strict laws regarding women’s dress codes, particularly the mandatory hijab. The government considers any opposition to these rules as a direct challenge to Islamic values and a threat to national security.
Yarrahi’s song struck a nerve because it came at a time when the country was already reeling from protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died in police custody for allegedly not wearing her headscarf properly.
Amini’s death in September 2022 ignited widespread demonstrations, with women across Iran cutting their hair and burning their headscarves in defiance. Yarrahi’s song became a symbol of this movement, prompting authorities to take swift action against him.
Read : Courageous Iranian Singer Who Performed Without Hijab Arrested
Iran’s judicial system has a history of using harsh punishments against artists, activists, and dissidents who challenge the state’s rigid policies.
Iranian Singer Mehdi Yarahi Flogged for Protest Song
— IRANHAMAVA (@iranhamava) March 5, 2025
Tehran, Iran – Iranian singer Mehdi Yarahi has reportedly been subjected to 74 lashes as part of a sentence handed down by the judiciary. The punishment stems from his song “Roosarito” (Your Headscarf), which was released in… pic.twitter.com/m1nTGScRWa
Yarrahi’s sentencing to more than two years in prison, coupled with 74 lashes, serves as a warning to others who dare to speak out. His case is reminiscent of other artists who have faced similar punishments for exercising their right to free expression.
The Brutality of Flogging as a Punishment
Flogging is a form of corporal punishment that involves beating an individual with a whip or rod, usually targeting the back. It is considered one of the most degrading and inhumane forms of punishment, yet it remains widely used in Iran’s judicial system. Mehdi Yarrahi’s flogging was not an isolated incident; many activists and artists have been subjected to similar punishments for defying state-imposed laws.
Iranian authorities use flogging as a tool of repression, aiming to silence opposition and instill fear. Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned the use of flogging in Iran, arguing that it violates international human rights standards and amounts to torture.
Despite global outrage, the Iranian government continues to impose this punishment on individuals accused of offenses ranging from political dissent to personal behavior that deviates from strict Islamic norms.
In December 2023, Amnesty International warned that Iranian authorities had escalated their crackdown on women defying hijab laws. The government introduced harsher penalties, including flogging, imprisonment, and even the threat of the death penalty, to force compliance with mandatory veiling laws.
The case of Mehdi Yarrahi highlights how these extreme measures are being used not only against women but also against those who support their struggle for autonomy.
Yarrahi’s punishment echoes the plight of other Iranian artists who have been subjected to floggings and imprisonment. Acclaimed Iranian movie director Mohammad Rasoulof was sentenced to eight years in prison and flogging in May 2023 on charges related to national security.
In 2015, two Iranian poets faced 99 lashes each for shaking hands with members of the opposite sex. Their sentencing was widely condemned by freedom of expression activists, but the Iranian judiciary remained steadfast in its enforcement of such draconian laws.
The brutal practice of flogging not only inflicts physical pain but also serves as a psychological weapon. It sends a chilling message to the public that any form of dissent will be met with severe consequences. Despite the risks, many Iranians continue to resist, demonstrating remarkable courage in the face of oppression.
A Symbol of Resistance and International Reactions
Mehdi Yarrahi’s case has drawn international attention, with human rights organizations and foreign governments condemning Iran’s treatment of artists and activists. His song “Roosarito” has become an anthem for women fighting against compulsory veiling, reinforcing the idea that artistic expression is a powerful tool in challenging authoritarian rule.
The protests that erupted in Iran following Mahsa Amini’s death were among the largest the country had seen in years. Women took to the streets, openly defying hijab laws despite the risk of imprisonment and violence.
The government responded with a brutal crackdown, arresting thousands and imposing severe penalties. Yarrahi’s imprisonment and flogging demonstrate that Iranian authorities remain committed to crushing any form of opposition, no matter how peaceful.
International human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have called for an end to flogging in Iran, labeling it a form of torture.
The United Nations has also expressed concern over Iran’s treatment of dissidents, urging the government to respect freedom of expression and human rights. However, Iran’s leadership has shown little willingness to reform its policies, continuing to use harsh punishments as a means of control.
The case of Mehdi Yarrahi is a stark reminder of the high cost of speaking out against injustice in Iran. While his voice has been temporarily silenced by imprisonment and flogging, his message lives on through his music. Many Iranians continue to defy government restrictions, proving that the fight for personal freedom is far from over.
Despite the risks, artists and activists in Iran persist in their struggle for change. The global community’s response to Yarrahi’s case will be crucial in determining whether international pressure can help push for greater human rights protections in Iran. For now, Yarrahi remains both a victim of state repression and a symbol of resistance, inspiring others to continue the fight for freedom and dignity.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏