Bahrain protesters block parliament

Hundreds of anti-government protesters have blocked access to Bahrain’s parliament and forced officials to cancel a meeting of the ruler’s hand-picked envoys. The demonstration appears part of a strategy to hold rallies at sensitive locations in the capital Manama. The idea is to boost pressure on the monarchy following two weeks of marches and clashes that have left seven dead. The parliament became a target Monday 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.