A solicitor has been fined for making inaccurate statements on an Iranian TV show deemed antisemitic by a tribunal.
- The solicitor involved is Mohammed Tasnime Akunjee, who made false claims involving the law firm Mishcon de Reya.
- Akunjee wrongly alleged that Mishcon de Reya engaged in money laundering and represented General Pinochet.
- The remarks were broadcasted on Press TV, a channel known for antisemitic content, which resulted in his fine.
- The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal acknowledged Akunjee’s apology and attempts to rectify the mistake.
A solicitor has been fined due to statements made during an appearance on an Iranian TV show, which was characterised as antisemitic by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT). Mohammed Tasnime Akunjee made incorrect allegations about Mishcon de Reya, accusing the firm of money laundering and representing General Pinochet, assertions he later retracted.
The contentious statements were delivered on Press TV, a network that lost its UK license in 2012 and is known for promoting antisemitic and Holocaust-denying narratives. The programme in question was titled ‘Mishcon de Reya – Zionist Law Firm’ and involved discussions linking the firm to political lobbying for Israel. Akunjee was invited to discuss strategic lawsuits against public participation, a topic he had prepared for, only discovering the shift in focus upon arrival at the studio.
Akunjee contested that his remarks, specifically the claim surrounding money laundering, were based on his general understanding, as Mishcon de Reya was fined £232,500 by the Solicitors Regulation Authority for breaches of anti-money laundering procedures, not criminal activity. His claim concerning General Pinochet was unfounded.
The firm’s managing partner, James Libson, raised a formal complaint following the broadcast. Akunjee communicated his apologies, acknowledging the severe implications of his mistake, clarifying that his errors were not driven by animosity towards the firm or its employees. He sought for his portion of the broadcast to be retracted or at least edited out, and issued a public apology via Twitter.
Although the SDT did not find Akunjee’s actions to lack integrity or moral soundness, it determined that his public statements damaged trust in the legal profession and Mishcon de Reya. Notably, this was not the solicitor’s first instance of misconduct; he had previously been reprimanded for misconduct over provocative tweets. Consequently, Akunjee was fined £6,500 and ordered to cover costs of £30,000.
The actions of Mohammed Tasnime Akunjee highlight the importance of accuracy and responsibility in legal commentary, particularly in public forums.
