In the fifth month of protests against Iran’s clerical rulers, the Islamic Republic continues to arrest activists and journalists and issues heavy sentences for detainees.

In the most recent case, Kian Pirfalak's mother has been banned from her job at a school. The ten-year-old Kian Pirfalak was shot dead by plainclothesmen in Izeh in the southwestern province of Khuzestan on November 16.

According to the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers' Trade Association the ministry of education summoned Zeinab Mollaie-Rad, on Saturday telling her that "until further notice, she must not go to school."

Meanwhile, brother of Ahmad Raisi, the former employee of a university in the western city of Hamedan reported that his brother is locked in solitary confinement and has been on a hunger strike for the past 10 days.

Reports also say prisoners are still being tortured in custody. Activists say Mazaher Heydari, a detainee belonging to the Gonabadi Dervish religious sect, was transferred from Chabahar Prison in the south to Shahrekord in the west last week for more interrogation. Heydari, had previously informed about his torture and forced confessions.

The judiciary further continues to issue heavy sentences for detainees. Reyhaneh Taravati, a photographer and civil activist, was sentenced to six years in prison on a charge of "holding gatherings and propaganda against the regime", which will be enforceable for 5 years if confirmed in the appeals court.

Melika Heshemi, the reporter of Shahr news agency, who had gone to Evin prison, has been arrested too.