Protesters block Bahrain parliament

Hundreds of anti-government protesters blocked access to Bahrain’s parliament today and forced officials to cancel a meeting of the ruler’s hand-picked envoys.

The demonstration appeared to be part of a strategy to hold rallies at sensitive locations in the capital, Manama.

The aim is to boost pressure on the monarchy following two weeks of marches and clashes in which seven people have been killed.

The parliament became a target today to coincide with a meeting called by the 40-member upper chamber, which is appointed by Bahrain’s ruler.

The session was called off after protesters formed a human chain to block the entrance.

Bahrain’s embattled monarchy is appealing for talks with opposition groups to try to end the crisis.