Human chain encircles Bahrain capital

Thousands of Shiite protesters in Bahrain have formed a huge human chain around the capital, Manama, as their campaign to loosen the Sunni monarchy’s grip on power in the strategic Gulf nation enters its third week.

No police were in sight today as protesters – men and women – held hands to encircle Manama, where Bahrain’s Shiite majority has been leading daily demonstrations to end what they say are discriminatory policies and political persecution.