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Tehran: Iranian Nobel peace laureate and leading rights activist Shirin Ebadi said in a statement on Monday that she had received death threats pinned to the door of her office building, warning her to "watch your tongue".
"At the entry to the building of my office there was note written 'Shirin Ebadi, your death is near'," she said.
Ebadi 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 women's and children's rights in Iran, has annoyed the clerical leadership with her persistent protests against rights abuses in the country.
She, a lawyer, has represented clients in some of Iran's most sensitive human rights cases over the past decade.
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 Iran's community of Bahais.
"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".
Ebadi has assigned a fellow colleague and member of her Centre of Defenders of Human Rights - which she created - to defend her case.
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