New Tunisian Parliament Begins its First Session

Police officers stand guard outside Tunisia's parliament as the new parliament, elected in December and January in a vote with ultra-low turnout, holds its first session, in Tunis, Tunisia March 13, 2023. (Reuters)

Tunisia's new parliament, elected in December and January in a vote with a turnout of 11%, sat for the first time on Monday in a session closed to all but state media and with the opposition coalition saying it would not recognize its legitimacy.

Journalists were not allowed to attend the opening session of parliament for the first time since the 2011 revolution. Officials told reporters on Monday that only state TV and radio and the state news agency were allowed to cover the event.