This post is part of our special coverage of Bahrain Protests 2011.

Anti government protesters on Monday morning blocked the National Council building where both Parliament and the Shura (Consultative) Councils hold their weekly sessions. The reason for the protest in front of the National Assembly is to topple the bicameral system in addition to the protesters’ other demands for a new constitution and the toppling of the regime.

The National Assembly is made up of 40 members of Parliament, elected by the people, and another 40 Shura Council members, appointed by the King.

@Nabeelrajab #Bahrain #feb14 في تطور نوعي المتظاهرون يحوطون بمجلس الشورى والنواب في البحرين

@DrFAHAD3500 400 protesters blocking the main gate of the parliament… WTH we have work to do!!!

Protesters block the entrance of the National Council buildings in Manama. Image courtesy of Bahrain Online

@bahrain14feb @manamavoice1 صوت المنامة #14Feb #Bahrain فيديو ٢ لإغلاق شباب ١٤ فبراير بوابة مجلس الشورى http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0n-jhLD-Cs

Video uploaded by YouTube user manamavoice1

In a friendly gesture, Al-Shura council staff brought water to the protesters..

@manamavoice1 #14Feb #Bahrain مجلس الشورى يوزع الماء علي المحتجين والشباب يرد عليهم شكرًا لكم http://yfrog.com/gy48sypj

Al-Shura council staff bringing water bottles for the protesters out the National Council building

Although some reports said that only eight of the original 40 Shura council members were attending the session, other reports said that the Shura council decided to hold an extraordinary session to discuss the current situation in the country.

@manamavoice1 #14Feb #Bahrain يوجد حاليا في مجلس الشورى فقط ٨ اعضاء وصدر قرار من المجلس غلق الأبواب ومنع دخول اي احد ومن المتوقع ان تلغى الجلسة

@ifowzan مجلس الشورى ينهي جلسته بقرار عقد جلسة استثنائية يوم الأربعاء لمناقشة الأوضاع في البلاد ورفع توصياته الى طاولة الحوارالوطني..

This post is part of our special coverage of Bahrain Protests 2011.