An Iranian-American pastor imprisoned in Iran has been handed over to a judge who is notorious for violating human rights.

Pastor Saeed Abedini, 32, was arrested in September for his work in Iran's underground Christian community.

The American Center for Law and Justice, who is fighting for Abedini, report his case has now been assigned to an Iranian judge who is often referred to as one of Iran's "hanging judges."

Abedini wrote a letter to his family saying he is being beaten and that he has been told he "will hang" for his faith in Jesus.

In 2010, he was granted U.S. citizenship when he married his American wife.

So far, the U.S. State Department has taken no decisive action on his behalf, even though he's an American citizen.

Sign the petition to free American Pastor Saeed in Iran.