A Buckinghamshire magistrate has been reprimanded for serious misconduct after an investigation into four Facebook posts expressing views on controversial political matters and references to his judicial office on social media.
Ansar Gulzar, who sits on the Buckinghamshire bench, was the subject of a complaint concerning posts published between June 2025 and January 2026. The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) said the complaint alleged that the posts could create the impression of prejudice concerning Jewish people and Israel. Concerns were also raised about references to his judicial position on Facebook and LinkedIn.
The investigation found that the Facebook account belonged to Gulzar, displayed his name and photograph, and was publicly accessible. His Facebook profile referred to him as a magistrate, while his LinkedIn account also referenced his judicial office.
Gulzar accepted that he had published the four posts and took responsibility for them. He told the investigation that he had believed the posts were visible only to family and friends and had intended them for general discussion. He disputed the translation or interpretation of one post and acknowledged that he should have been more careful with his wording.
The investigation concluded that the posts amounted to serious misconduct. The findings stated that the publications formed a course of conduct rather than isolated incidents and expressed views on highly controversial political matters. The committee also considered that the posts had the potential to cause emotional harm and undermine public confidence in the judiciary.
The investigation separately found that Gulzar had referred to his judicial office on social media contrary to the applicable guidance. Magistrates are expected to maintain the dignity, reputation and good standing of the magistracy, including when using social media in their private lives.
Judicial guidance states that office holders must avoid conduct that could undermine respect for their position or raise doubts about their independence, impartiality or integrity. It also makes clear that magistrates should not use judicial titles or the suffix “JP” on social media.
Following the investigation, Mr Justice Keehan, acting on behalf of the Lady Chief Justice and with the agreement of the Lord Chancellor, issued Gulzar with a reprimand for serious misconduct.
A reprimand is the most serious disciplinary sanction available before removal from judicial office. The sanctions for misconduct by judicial office holders are formal advice, formal warning, reprimand and removal from office.
The case highlights the professional standards expected of magistrates when using social media and the importance of maintaining public confidence in judicial independence and impartiality.
