Dozens of activists protested at the US embassy in Manama, calling for Washington to press Bahraini authorities for democratic reform after weeks of demonstrations

Dozens of activists protested at the US embassy in Manama on Monday, calling for Washington to press Bahraini authorities for democratic reform after weeks of demonstrations.
  
Activists gathered at a small fence set up in front of the embassy, chanting slogans such as "down down Hamad" -- a reference to the Gulf state's king -- and "down with the monarchy! People want democracy!" Demonstrators also chanted, "the people want to topple the regime!"
  
Anti-government protests in the country entered their 22nd day on Monday. Protesters continued to keep vigil in hundreds of tents in Pearl Square, which has become the epicenter of anti-government demonstrations. Bahrain's protesters have been largely peaceful, inspired by mass rallies that toppled the leaders of Egypt and Tunisia.

Bahrain's Crown Prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa warned all sides against escalating a standoff, asking for patience ahead of a national dialogue.

Bahrain suffered its worst unrest since the 1990s last month when seven people were martyred in a heavy-handed security response to protests.

"I urge all parties not to escalate matters or to slide into sensationalism. Some people do want this to happen, so we have to be fully committed and to speak out bravely against it," Sheikh Salman said.