Draft:Mohammed Akunjee

Mohammed Tasnime Akunjee (মোহাম্মদ আকুঞ্জি; 1977) is a British-born Solicitor and politician. He is well known for being a television guest on political discussions relating to legal challenges Muslims face in the UK and elsewhere. The most notable was a debate held at the Oxford Union.

Akunjee is currently standing as an independent for the Parliamentary candidate for Bethnal Green and Stepney in 2024.

Early life
Akunjee was born in Shadwell, Tower Hamlets to Bangladeshi Muslim parents. Akunjee grew up in a family dedicated to healthcare, with both his father and brothers serving as doctors in North London. Akunjee chose to serve people in another field and studied Law at the University of Westminster.

Career
Akunjee is a criminal defence solicitor specializing in Terrorism and Terrorism-related offenses since 1999. His expertise includes dealing with proscribed organizations, terrorist groups, and navigating terrorism-related legislation, particularly in the context of the government's Prevent strategy. Akunjee has worked on cases involving individuals linked to terrorist organizations, including those who have travelled to conflict zones and returned home.

His career is marked by notable engagements, such as the representing the family of Shamima Begum, a British-born teenager who joined the Islamic State.

Akunjee lead and won a defamation case against EDL founder, Tommy Robinson, on behalf of a Syrian refugee. This led to Tommy Robinson declaring bankruptcy.

In addition to his role as a defence lawyer, Akunjee has actively participated in matters related to the repatriation of individuals who regretted their decision to travel to conflict zones. Notably, in June 2015, he negotiated the release and repatriation of a female British citizen from the border region of Turkey and Syria. He has also advised families, entities, and individuals on various aspects of counterterrorism strategy, humanitarian aid provision, and the legal framework applicable to activities aiding those escaping conflict zones.