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This seems like a tricky case - I wouldn't normally expect the autofocus to reject objects closer in the frame for something further back that's partly obscured by the closer objects.  Especially in a case like this where it's not a type of subject it can recognize/prioritize, like a person.  I'd resort to MF, or you could try using the touchscreen to set the autofocus point on the object you want to focus on.  I still do think it's asking a lot for it to ignore an obscuring foreground object in favour of something in the distance, though.