2025-08-27T09:36:00Z

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Imagine walking into one of the world's tech giants, demanding justice, and making headlines. That’s exactly what happened at Microsoft's Redmond headquarters when a group of passionate protesters took a bold stand against the tech titan's ties to the Israeli government.

In a dramatic turn of events, Microsoft temporarily shut down a building at its headquarters after protesters barged into the office of company president Brad Smith. According to The Verge, the demonstrators staged a sit-in, echoing their urgent plea for Microsoft to sever its connections with Israel. This wasn’t just a regular protest; it was streamed live on Twitch by both current and former Microsoft employees, making it clear that this issue resonates deeply within the tech community.

The tension escalated as protesters made their way to Building 34—the hub for top executives—before finally occupying Brad Smith’s office. With banners unfurled, they chanted, “Brad Smith you can’t hide, you’re supporting genocide!” It was a powerful visual, with balloons and noisemakers decorating the entrance, one notice reading: “The People’s Court Summons Bradford Lee Smith on Charges of Crimes Against Humanity.”

Among the protesters was Abdo Mohamed, a key organizer from No Azure for Apartheid and a former Microsoft employee. He confirmed that Microsoft workers Riki Fameli and Anna Hattle joined in, alongside ex-employees Vaniya Agrawal, Hossam Nasr, and Joe Lopez. This protest follows another recent demonstration where police arrested several protesters, including Hattle and Agrawal, for alleged aggressive behavior. Clearly, tensions are rising.

After the protest, Brad Smith held an emergency press conference, addressing reporters with a sense of urgency. “Obviously, this was an unusual day,” he admitted, while asserting Microsoft’s commitment to human rights principles and contractual obligations in the Middle East. Smith revealed there were seven protesters involved this time, with two being current Microsoft employees.

“When seven folks do as they did today, storm a building, occupy an office, and plant listening devices—hidden cellphones, for example—that’s not ok,” he emphasized. Smith confirmed Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to investigate the situation, stating, “We are working every day to get to the bottom of what’s going on, and we will.”

The group No Azure for Apartheid has been persistent in its campaign against Microsoft’s cloud contracts with the Israeli government, having disrupted events earlier this year, including Microsoft’s 50th-anniversary celebration, where a former employee labeled CEO Mustafa Suleyman a “war profiteer.” It seems the voices for change are growing louder, and Microsoft will have to navigate these turbulent waters carefully.