Microsoft has terminated the employment of two additional staff members who were involved in protests regarding the company’s contracts with the Israeli military and government. Nisreen Jaradat and Julius Shan were let go due to their participation in demonstrations that included setting up encampments at Microsoft’s headquarters, according to Hossam Nasr, an organizer from the No Azure for Apartheid group.
Earlier, two other Microsoft employees were also dismissed after protesters gained access to a corporate building and live streamed from the office of Microsoft President Brad Smith. Jaradat had previously circulated a mass email within the company expressing her frustration with the treatment of Palestinian workers, deliberately circumventing internal policies regarding discussions about Palestine and Gaza.
The No Azure for Apartheid group has been actively protesting against Microsoft throughout the year. They disrupted live presentations by Microsoft executives on several occasions earlier this spring and recently attempted to occupy a plaza at the company’s headquarters. Following their removal, they returned the next day equipped with tents and tables, marking the Microsoft sign with red paint; 18 individuals were subsequently arrested.
On Tuesday, protesters staged another demonstration outside of Smith’s office. In a press conference afterward, Smith stated that Microsoft is diligently investigating the potential misuse of Azure services in Israel. However, he asserted that the protesters’ actions were “not acceptable.”
Microsoft declined to comment on the situation when approached by Technology News.
