Magistrate reprimanded over ‘highly controversial’ social media posts

A magistrate who posted Facebook posts expressing views on ‘highly controversial and political matters’ has been issued with a reprimand – the most serious sanction before removal from office – for misconduct. A complaint was made about Ansar Gulzar, who sits on the Buckinghamshire bench, in relation to four Facebook posts published between June 2025 and January 2026. Source: iStock The posts were alleged to express views on ‘highly controversial and political matters and included content capable of creating the impression that Mr Gulzar held a prejudicial view of matters involving Jewish people and Israel,’ a spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said. It was further alleged that Gulzar’s Facebook and LinkedIn accounts referred to his judicial office. The JCIO said: ‘Upon appointment, all magistrates sign a declaration and undertaking to maintain the dignity, reputation and good standing of the magistracy. ‘Judicial office holders are subject to constraints in their private life and must not act in a way which could reduce respect for judicial office or cast doubt on their independence, impartiality or integrity. Guidance also makes clear that magistrates should not use the suffix “JP” or judicial titles on social media.’ Gulzar accepted he posted the Facebook
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