Microsoft Fires 4 Employees After Redmond Headquarters Sit-In Protest

Microsoft fired four employees in total after a protest at its Redmond headquarters, where seven protesters, including current and former Microsoft employees, broke into the office of Vice Chair and President Brad Smith to demand the company cut ties with Israel. The protest was organized by No Azure for Apartheid, a group opposing Microsoft's alleged support for Israeli military surveillance in Gaza and the West Bank via its Azure cloud platform. The fired employees, including Anna Hattle and Riki Fameli, were terminated for violating company policies and participating in unlawful demonstrations that raised safety concerns, with some arrested on company premises. Microsoft stated it is investigating the situation further and cooperating with law enforcement, emphasizing adherence to company values and human rights principles. Brad Smith announced a formal investigation into the reported use of Azure by the Israeli military, reaffirming Microsoft's commitment to uphold contractual and human rights standards. The protests and firings highlight growing employee activism against Microsoft's involvement in geopolitical conflicts and the ethical implications of its technology usage.