Bahrain protesters block parliament

Manama: Anti-government protesters blockaded Bahrain's parliament and massed outside the state broadcaster on Monday in efforts to escalate pressure on the government after two weeks of non-stop marches and deadly clashes.

The demonstrations appear part of a strategy to hold rallies at sensitive locations in the capital Manama while maintaining a round-the-clock protest base on the Pearl Roundabout.

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

The session was delayed by several hours when protesters formed a human chain around the entrance.

From parliament, the marchers then moved to the state TV headquarters, chanting anti-government slogans.