Twitter reinstates account of academic who supported Professor David Miller

Twitter reinstated the account of a Bristol academic suspended “in error”, after supporting a colleague who called to “end Zionism”.

Psychology professor Jeffrey Bowers’ account was taken down this week, after he took to social media site in defence of sociology academic, David Miller.

Miller caused outrage last week calling to “end Zionism”, before accusing Jewish students of running a “campaign of censorship” against him.

In response, almost 5,000  having signed a petition calling for Bristol to sack him, while Jewish communal leaders wrote to the vice chancellor, and student leaders met university authorities yesterday.

Professor Bowers took to Twitter, saying Miller “is being falsely accused of antisemitism with calls for the University to fire him. He should be supported”, before linking to an article by Jewish anti-Zionist and “notorious antisemite” Tony Greenstein.

When asked why his account had been taken down, a Twitter Spokesperson told Jewish news: “We took enforcement action on the account you referenced in error. This has been reversed, and access to the account has been reinstated.”

Professor Bowers told Jewish News: “I do think the many claims on twitter – and one charming email – that I am antisemitic, calls for me to be fired, are quite effective in their intent.  They discourage people expressing their views.  It is worrying trend of censorship”.

On Twitter, Bowers added: “It is really extraordinary that you can be suspended for this tweet.. Academic freedom is important, and Bristol U needs to step up now.”

Among Miller’s other supporters are Jewish Voice for Labour, former MP Chris Williamson, and musician Lowkey.