A Marion County Judge Monday denied a petition for a protective order filed by 7th Congressional District Republican candidate Gabriel Whitley against Indy Politics editor and publisher Abdul-Hakim Shabazz.
Whitley filed the petition accusing Shabazz of “harassment and stalking”. He also stated in the petition that Shabazz has threatened his life on social media,
Whitley’s two main pieces of evidence were denied as hearsay.
Shabazz argued several points at the hearing. He pointed out that Whitley had not only offered any evidence to support his claim but granting the protective order would be unconstitutional because stalking and harassment don’t apply in situations involving the media and candidates for public office.
The judge dismissed the petition on First Amendment grounds.
This is not the first time Whitley has filed complaints against Shabazz. He has filed a complaint with the Indiana Attorney Disciplinary Commission to have Shabazz’s law license revoked, which was denied. He also filed a complaint with the Marion County Election Board, accusing Shabazz of using campaign funds from his race for Mayor to pay off his automobile and to buy his wife a washer and dryer.
“We are pleased that the Court saw through Mr. Whitley’s fraudulent complaint. As we stated at the hearing, according to the Indiana Supreme Court, Hoosiers filed more than 37,000 cases seeking a protective order, representing nearly 10 percent of all civil cases, more than all filings related to expungements, guardianships, adoptions, and torts combined.”.” Shabazz noted. “It is my hope that Mr. Whitley has learned his lesson and will not waste the court’ss valuable time when there are so many Hoosiers in real need of protection.”
