Microsoft Terminates Two Employees Following Office Sit-In Protest

Microsoft has terminated two employees, Anna Hattle and Riki Fameli, following their involvement in a sit-in protest at the office of company President Brad Smith. The protest, organized by the group No Azure for Apartheid, aimed to pressure Microsoft into ending its business relationships with Israel.

The demonstration took place at Microsoft's Redmond, Washington headquarters, where seven individuals, including Hattle and Fameli, occupied Smith's office. The group live-streamed the event, demanding that the company sever ties with the Israeli government.

A Microsoft spokesperson stated that the terminations were due to "serious breaches of company policies and our code of conduct." The company emphasized that such actions are inconsistent with the expectations maintained for employees.

This incident follows a series of protests by No Azure for Apartheid, a group comprising current and former Microsoft employees advocating for the company to end its contracts with Israel. Previous demonstrations have included disruptions at company events and the establishment of a "Liberated Zone" encampment on campus.

In response to allegations that Microsoft's Azure cloud platform was used by the Israeli military for surveillance of Palestinians, the company has initiated an internal review through the law firm Covington & Burling LLP. Microsoft President Brad Smith reiterated the company's commitment to upholding human rights principles and contractual terms of service.