Songwriters guild of America

NMC: SHINING A LIGHT ON VIOLENCE AGAINST MUSICAL ARTISTS, CREATORS & POETS IN 2026

June, 2026 -- On June 19, an Iranian court handed down a sentence of 74 lashes for Iranian singer-songwriter Parastoo Ahmadi's performance outside of a hijab. Her band mates and producer received the same sentence.

Outside Counsel and National Music Council Chair Charlie Sanders recently wrote a piece speaking out against the violent sentencing. His message follows.

The National Music Council of the United States (NMC), which I proudly chair, continues to monitor developments in the case of the female Iranian singing star Parastoo Ahmadi who was sentenced this week by Tehran to a public whipping for appearing in a video in "immodest attire" (i.e. without a head scarf and with bare arms and shoulders)...