Mohammed Tasnime Akunjee

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

The Respondent, a criminal defence solicitor, participated in a Press TV programme ('Palestine Declassified') which turned out to be an antisemitic attack on Mishcon de Reya. Introduced as a solicitor/expert, he made two false statements: that Mishcon had committed the criminal offence of money laundering (in fact only a regulatory AML settlement/fine of £232,500) and that Mishcon had represented General Pinochet (untrue). The Tribunal found breaches of Principle 2 and paragraph 1.4 of the Code, but found NO lack of integrity (Principle 5 not breached), NO recklessness, and NO dishonesty—concluding he honestly misspoke under pressure. Culpability and seriousness were low. He was fined £6,500 and ordered to pay £30,000 costs (reduced from £45,478.68).

Duties found breached:

• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• No conflict between current clients

Aggravating factors:

• Ought to have known unprepared statements could undermine confidence in the profession
• Recently rebuked for comparable misconduct (abusive Twitter posts)

Mitigating factors:

• Apologised to the Firm and publicly
• Showed genuine insight and did not repeat the conduct
• Made open and frank admissions at an early stage and cooperated with the SRA
• Distressing year for the Respondent (grieving for his brother) and confused state of mind