Iranian female singer Hiva Seyfizadeh was arrested during a live performance in Tehran on Thursday night after security forces raided the venue, whose audience included both men and women in defiance of the theocracy's gender-mixing laws.
Iranian law prohibits women from singing solo before mixed audiences that include men and mandates adherence to strict hijab regulations.
Although the restrictions are longstanding, a surge of recent such performances have challenged legal and cultural boundaries.
According to music journalist Bahman Babazadeh, the concert had received official authorization. However, during the performance, security forces—accompanied by four female officers—entered the venue and took Seyfizadeh into custody.
Authorities have not given an official reason for the arrest, but an eyewitness, speaking to Iran International on condition of anonymity, confirmed that men were present at the event.
The eyewitness also noted that organizers had prohibited the audience from recording the concert.
Shortly after the incident, Emarat Rooberoo, the venue where the concert was held, announced via Instagram that it would remain closed until further notice.
It is unclear whether authorities or a preemptive decision by the organizers imposed the closure.
Seyfizadeh has previously drawn attention for performing without the mandatory hijab in solidarity with anti-government protesters during Iran’s recent wave of civil unrest.
Her arrest follows a broader crackdown on female performers defying Iran’s strict regulations on women’s public appearances and artistic expression.
In December, security forces arrested and later released singer Parastoo Ahmadi after she livestreamed a concert without the mandatory hijab. Ahmadi’s performance, in which she appeared with bare shoulders, directly challenged Iran’s enforced dress code.
Later that month, the Iranian Judiciary issued a statement condemning the event, stating that the concert had been held "without legal authorization and adherence to Sharia principles" and that it would take unspecified action against the singer and the production team.
Despite internet restrictions, Ahmadi’s Caravanserai Concert quickly became one of the most discussed topics on Iranian social media. Though YouTube is officially restricted in Iran, the performance garnered over 1.5 million views within three days, with clips widely shared online.
