DHAKA: At least four Chinese feminists have been detained ahead of International Women’s Day, a lawyer said Saturday, in what appears to be a move by Beijing to head off public protest linked to the holiday.

Li Tingting, a young activist best known for staging demonstrations in men's lavatories to call for an increase in the number of public toilets for women, was taken away from her home in Beijing around 11:00pm Friday, her lawyer Yan Xin told the media by phone, reports The Straits Times.

Another three Beijing activists, all women, have also been detained, Yan said.

The four activists’ whereabouts is unknown, Yan said, adding that while authorities have not communicated a reason, he believes the women’s detention ‘may be related to tomorrow’s holiday’.

BDST: 2140 HRS, MAR 07, 2015