Ebadi has called for fresh presidential elections in the wake of the alleged fraud in the June 12 contest which saw incumbent Ahmadinejad re-elected.

In a fax to Justice Minister Gholam-Hossein Elham, cited by IRNA, female lawyers, legal experts and academics also called for the revocation of Ebadi’s licence to practice law, due to what they caller her constant denial of Islamic rules and basics as well as the constitution.

Ebadi has constantly criticised the Islamic legal system - but the demand for her arrest is thought to be due to her request new presidential elections.

“Some traitors to the Islamic system, who are just like weeds, are trying to undermine the national Iranian glory and dignity in line with the world imperialism and the Zionists (Israel),” the women wrote in their letter.