Story highlights Five young women have been detained by China since early March

They campaigned against sexual harassment

Their detention has attracted international criticism

(CNN) Five young Chinese feminists, whose detention has provoked an international outcry, may face up to five years in prison over their campaign for gender equality.

The women were among detained on March 6 and March 7 in three Chinese cities -- Beijing, Guangzhou and Hangzhou -- shortly before events they had planned for International Women's Day on March 8.

Wang Qiushi, the lawyer for one of the women, Wei Tingting, said police had recommended on April 6 that prosecutors press charges of "assembling a crowd to disturb public order."

Wang told CNN that prosecutors had to decide whether to pursue the charges within seven days of the submission -- by Monday.

Clockwise from top left: Li Tingting, Wu Rongrong, Zheng Churan, Wei Tingting, Wang Man. They have have been detained by Chinese authorities.

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"We hope that the prosecutors will not approve a formal arrest warrant, following the laws and standing up to pressure," he said.

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