Lawyer fined for anti-semitic remarks on Iranian TV
- Tasnime Akunjee appeared on an Iranian TV show where he made false claims about Mishcon de Reya, a well-known UK law firm.
- The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found the program contained antisemitic content, although Akunjee did not make explicit antisemitic remarks.
- He was fined £6,500 and ordered to pay £30,000 in costs due to his unpreparedness and the misleading nature of his statements.
Tasnime Akunjee, a lawyer known for representing Shamima Begum, faced disciplinary action after appearing on an Iranian TV show that criticized Mishcon de Reya, a prominent law firm in the UK. During the broadcast, he made several false claims about the firm, including allegations of money laundering and its supposed representation of Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet. The show was characterized by antisemitic undertones, targeting the firm's Jewish members and its connections to Israel. The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal reviewed the case and found that while the program's content was antisemitic, Akunjee himself did not explicitly make antisemitic remarks. He expressed regret for his participation, admitting he felt unprepared and uneasy about the focus on Mishcon de Reya. The tribunal noted that his inaccurate statements stemmed from a lack of research and preparation for the topic. Despite his apologies and the acknowledgment that some of his claims were made in good faith, the tribunal imposed a fine of £6,500 on Akunjee and ordered him to pay £30,000 in costs. The panel emphasized that the program perpetuated harmful stereotypes and tropes associated with antisemitism, as defined by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. This incident highlights the potential consequences for legal professionals who engage in public discourse without adequate preparation, particularly when discussing sensitive topics that can lead to reputational damage for individuals and firms involved.