Iran's Ebadi says she has received death threats (AFP)

TEHRAN (AFP) - Iranian Nobel peace laureate and leading rights activist Shirin Ebadi said on Monday she had received death threats pinned to the door of her office building, warning her to "watch your tongue".

"On April 3, at the entry to the building of my office there was note written Shirin Ebadi, your death is near," she said in a statement.

Ebadi, a lawyer who over the past decade has represented clients in some of Irans most sensitive human rights cases, had already complained about receiving death threats in 2006.

"The threat against my family and I has recently intensified.

"Those who wish me dead do not have any personal animosity. They are those who are against my ideas, so finding the person or people who have sent me the threatening letters is not a difficult task," she said.

Ebadi, who was awarded the Nobel peace prize in 2003 for her work promoting womens and childrens rights in Iran, has annoyed the clerical leadership with her persistent protests against rights abuses in the country.

Accompanying her faxed statements, Ebadi sent samples of the threat notes, one of which warned her against making speeches abroad.

"We have warned you many times to watch your tongue, but despite the warnings you are talking. So for the last time correct your behaviour or you will be avenged."

Another threat appeared to be from a group attacking Irans community of Bahais, who advocate the unity of religions and were by far the biggest religious minority in the country before the 1979 Islamic revolution.

"Mrs Shirin Ebadi, we told you to give up your un-Islamic and Bahai-based faith but you have continued serving the foreigners and the Bahais and even your daughter is involved.

"So we will kill her, so you understand," read the handwritten letter, signed "The Association of anti-Bahais".

Bahais are considered to be apostate by the Islamic republic, which grants them none of the rights granted to other religious minorities.

However Ebadi and her rights group have repeatedly expressed concern about the situation of Bahais remaining in Iran, in particular over instances when they have been denied access to higher education.

Ebadi said that she has assigned a fellow colleague and member of her Centre of Defenders of Human Rights -- which she created -- to defend her case.