Two Microsoft Employees Dismissed Following Major Policy Violations During Sit-In Protest Over Azure Partnerships in Brad Smith’s Office

In recent times, Microsoft employees have become increasingly vocal in their protests, particularly following the company’s 50th anniversary celebrations, which garnered more controversy than celebration. A notable incident occurred during a session where employees called for enhanced transparency within the organization. Following this outcry, some of the outspoken individuals faced termination, demonstrating the company’s firm stance on dissent. Recently, Microsoft took disciplinary action again, firing two employees who staged a protest within President Brad Smith’s office located in Redmond, Washington.

Termination Following Azure Partnership Protest

According to a report by Reuters, the protests occurred on August 27, 2025, when two employees conducted a sit-in at Brad Smith’s office. This demonstration sought to pressure Microsoft to sever its contracts with the Israeli government amid escalating geopolitical tensions. A spokesperson from the company indicated that the protest represented a serious breach of Microsoft’s policies and code of conduct due to unauthorized access to the executive office.

This incident is indicative of a broader trend of employee activism at Microsoft, highlighting increasing tensions surrounding various social issues within the corporate environment. The latest protest, however, raised significant alarms for the tech giant, marked by its confrontational nature.

The protestors, identified as software engineers Anna Hattle and Riki Fameli, not only participated in the sit-in but also livestreamed their actions on Twitch, bringing further attention to their cause. A primary concern raised during the demonstration was the alleged use of Azure services by the Israeli government for the surveillance of Palestinians. In response to this situation, Microsoft implemented a security lockdown in the executive areas to defuse tensions.

While several other demonstrators were detained, Hattle and Fameli faced termination as a consequence of their severe violation of the company’s conduct guidelines. Following the incident, Microsoft held a press conference where Brad Smith reaffirmed the company’s dedication to human rights. He also emphasized that the firm is investigating the serious allegations concerning Azure’s involvement in the conflict. Smith reiterated that any disruptions threatening workplace safety and security would not be accepted.

This protest is part of the ongoing “No Azure for Apartheid”campaign, which has seen organized demonstrations increasing in frequency. The recent firings underscore the tension between employee activism and the company’s zero-tolerance policy towards security violations and disruptions deemed unethical.

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