Microsoft fires two employees after vigil for Palestinians
Washington: Microsoft has terminated two employees following their participation in an unauthorized vigil held outside the company’s headquarters to honor Palestinian lives lost in Gaza. The vigil, organized independently by employees during lunch hours on Thursday, was held in memory of the Palestinians killed in what critics have called Israel’s “genocidal assault” on Gaza. Microsoft confirmed the terminations on Friday, stating that the employees were dismissed "in accordance with internal policy."
The fired employees, Abdo Mohamed and Hossam Nasr, were outspoken about their support for Palestinian rights. Mohamed, an Egyptian-born data scientist on a work visa, now faces a two-month window to secure employment and maintain his U.S. residency. Nasr, an organizer for Harvard Alumni for Palestine, had previously been disciplined for pro-Palestinian statements on Microsoft’s internal platform.
Microsoft’s decision has attracted significant backlash from anti-war organizations and Palestinian solidarity groups. CODEPINK, a prominent anti-war organization, criticized the move on social media, accusing Microsoft of "facilitating genocide" and "punishing those who stand for humanity." Huwaida Arraf, co-founder of the International Solidarity Movement, echoed the condemnation, arguing that the tech giant’s policies support “genocide and apartheid.”
The terminations align with a broader debate within Microsoft over its ties to Israel. Both fired employees are part of No Azure for Apartheid, a group born from the larger No Tech for Apartheid campaign, which opposes the use of Microsoft’s Azure cloud technology in support of Israeli government operations. Microsoft has a history of collaboration with Israel, including Azure's support of Elbit Systems’ military simulation software and services provided to the Israeli Prison Service. The company's technology has continued to aid Israeli military departments as Project Nimbus transitions cloud services to Amazon and Google.
In addition to industry criticism, advocacy groups have also called for Microsoft to take accountability. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has demanded that Microsoft reinstate the two employees, arguing that the company is silencing “employees of conscience” who stand for human rights. CAIR-WA’s Executive Director Imraan Siddiqi said in a statement that these terminations demonstrate a double standard when it comes to support for Palestinian human rights. CAIR National’s Nihad Awad echoed this sentiment, urging Microsoft to rehire the employees and condemn what he called the “except for Palestine” rule, where corporations avoid supporting Palestinian rights advocacy.
Microsoft’s actions mirror recent instances of alleged retaliation across industries. Reports of Harvard Library suspending faculty for peaceful demonstrations and other terminations related to Palestinian advocacy have circulated, with similar criticisms directed at Google following its dismissal of employees who protested Project Nimbus earlier this year.
Despite the escalating response, Microsoft has not issued a public comment beyond confirming the terminations.
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'Political misdeed': PM writes to Birla on now-defeated resolution against LS speaker, slams oppn
New Delhi (PTI): In a sharp attack at the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the resolution brought against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was driven by motives of self-interest and that certain individuals steeped in "dynastic mindset" want to confine democratic institutions within their own narrow spheres.
Prime Minister Modi made the remarks in a letter to Birla, days after the resolution moved by the Congress-led opposition for the removal of the Lok Sabha speaker from office was defeated in the House.
Expressed gratitude for the letter, Birla said the prime minister has always held an unwavering faith in the rules, procedures, and traditions of India's parliamentary democracy.
In his letter in Hindi, Modi said, "The no-confidence motion brought against you in the Lok Sabha was defeated in the House. I also congratulate the members of the House for the decisive manner in which they rejected this political misdeed."
"I listened attentively to the statement you delivered in the House following the defeat of the no-confidence motion. The balance, patience, and clarity with which you referenced parliamentary history, the duties of the Speaker, and the supremacy of the rules were truly impressive. For this, I offer you my commendation," he said.
"Your statement was not merely a response to that specific moment; rather, it served as a profound and measured exposition of Indian parliamentary traditions and democratic propriety," the prime minister said.
The greatest strength of Indian democracy lies in its constitutional institutions, Modi said, adding Parliament stands as the supreme forum among these institutions.
Every voice raised in this House represents the hopes and aspirations of millions of citizens across the country, he said.
"In such a context, the responsibility of the Lok Sabha Speaker extends beyond merely conducting the proceedings; the Speaker also serves as the guardian of democratic traditions, parliamentary rules, and institutional dignity. The clarity with which you asserted in your statement that no one in this House stands above the rules delivers a message that reaffirms the fundamental spirit of our democracy," Modi said in his letter to Birla.
"Differences of opinion are inherent in a democracy. Indeed, it is the diversity of ideas that infuses democracy with vitality. However, it is equally true that there exists a distinct demarcation between disagreement and disrespect," the prime minister said.
It is a matter of concern for all those who place their faith in democracy and its institutions that, at times, political disagreement appears to morph into a disregard for parliamentary decorum, Modi said.
Such moments, he said, serve as a true test for the individual occupying the Chair.
The restraint, composure, and impartiality with which you navigated these circumstances are truly commendable, the prime minister said.
"Every citizen of this nation who cherishes democratic ideals sensed that the no-confidence motion brought against you was driven by motives of personal self-interest and arrogance," Modi said, in a swipe at the Congress and the opposition.
This turn of events caused distress to every individual who holds faith in the democratic process, he said.
"This is not the first instance in which this august Chair has been compelled to confront such challenging circumstances. Before you assumed this office, when the Honourable Smt. Sumitra Mahajan held this position, we observed that the conduct of certain members did not align with the dignity expected of every member of this House," Modi said.
Even during that period, on numerous occasions, we witnessed instances of unnecessary acrimony and disrespect directed toward the Chair, he said.
"It is regrettable that such tendencies persist even today. Such behaviour is not merely directed at an individual; rather, it undermines the dignity of the institution itself, an institution that stands as a symbol of our entire democracy," Modi said.
He asserted that the fundamental essence of Parliament lies in dialogue, reasoned debate, and deliberation.
"Every viewpoint must be accorded the opportunity for expression within these hallowed precincts. Throughout your tenure, you have consistently strived to ensure that the maximum number of members of Parliament are granted the opportunity to speak in the House. Whether they be young MPs, first-time elected representatives, or women parliamentarians, providing everyone with the opportunity to articulate their views serves to broaden the scope and inclusivity of our democracy," he said.
"The nation watches with dismay as certain individuals, steeped in dynastic and feudalistic mindsets, seek to confine our democratic institutions within their own narrow spheres," Modi said, adding that they find it difficult to readily accept the rise of any newcomer.
Furthermore, they find it unacceptable that other elected representatives in this House, particularly the new and young MPs, should be accorded equal opportunities to speak and to advance, the prime minister said.
Such a mindset runs counter to the very spirit of democracy, he asserted.
"The true essence of democracy lies in ensuring that opportunities are not confined to a select few, but rather that a platform is provided for the voices of every section of society and every region of the country," he said.
Sharing Prime Minister Modi's letter on X, Birla said the PM has always held an unwavering faith in the rules, procedures, and traditions of India's parliamentary democracy.
"Your letter articulates those highest ethical values of public service that you have embodied throughout your long public life, currently as the Prime Minister of India, and previously as the Chief Minister of Gujarat," Birla said in his post in Hindi.
"You have always held a deep belief in the fundamental nature of Parliament--dialogue, debate, and deliberation. You accord respect to every voice raised in Parliament, recognizing it as the voice of millions of Indian citizens. You consistently prioritize parliamentary proceedings above all else and strive to find solutions to every issue raised within the House," the Lok Sabha speaker said.
Rising above partisan boundaries, this message of yours will inspire all elected representatives across Parliament, state legislatures, and local bodies, and will further strengthen the robust ethical foundation of the democracy established by our freedom fighters and the members of the Constituent Assembly, Birla said to Modi in his post and expressed gratitude for the letter.
An opposition move to remove Birla as speaker was defeated by a voice vote on Wednesday in the Lok Sabha after a heated debate.
