Tunisia press syndicate says state TV bars political parties

Demonstrators carry flags and banners during a protest against the Tunisian President Kais Saied's seizure of governing powers, in Tunis, Tunisia, September 26, 2021. REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi

TUNIS (Reuters) - Tunisian state television has barred all political parties from entering its buildings or taking part in talk shows in a serious setback for press freedoms, the country's press syndicate said on Tuesday.

Mehdi Jlassi, the syndicate head, told Reuters the apparent ban had been in force since President Kais Saied seized most powers in July in moves that his foes have branded a coup.