Christian Persecution Up Under Iran's New President

Iran's new self-proclaimed moderate president has done nothing to help the persecuted Christians in his country, according to a recent U.N. report.

The report found persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in the Islamic Republic has reached unprecedented levels.

Of the 42 Christians taken into custody last year, 35 were found guilty of establishing a home church, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

At least 49 Christians, including American Pastor Saeed Abedini, who is serving and eight-year sentence for "crimes" related to his faith, are among the 307 members of religious minorities imprisoned in Iran.

The American Center for Law and Justice has been calling for Abedini's release at the U.N. Human Rights Council.

So far, more than 200,000 have signed the ACLJ's petition.

Despite the unprecedented persecution, the estimated growth of Christians in Iran is nearly 20 percent.