"At the hearing, Morga said that while she understood Duffey's desire to defend his reputation, she didn't see any proof that Scott had threatened or physically harmed him. Duffey, who filed for a restraining order in late June, accused Scott of posting videos that falsely claim he's taken bribes from a contractor and received immunity from federal investigators in exchange for his testimony before a grand jury."
"In recent months, former city employee Brandon Harami also tried to secure a restraining order against Scott, as did Oakland business owner Sean Sullivan. Both of those requests were also denied. "This was not a legal dispute. It was an attempt to criminalize speech, to weaponize the courts against dissent, and to silence whistleblowers who expose corruption," Scott said in a statement emailed to The Oaklandside after the hearing. He added that he plans to "prepare a First Amendment lawsuit" against the city, Duffey, Harami, and other officials."
Judge Maria Morga denied Assistant City Administrator Harold Duffey's request for a civil harassment restraining order against activist Seneca Scott, finding Duffey failed to prove threats or physical harm. Morga acknowledged Duffey's desire to defend his reputation but said evidence of intimidation was lacking. Duffey alleged Scott posted videos falsely claiming he accepted bribes and obtained federal immunity, harming Duffey's job prospects. Scott asserted First Amendment protection and said he will prepare a First Amendment lawsuit. Recent similar requests by a former city employee and a business owner were also denied. Morga noted Duffey could pursue civil defamation remedies.
Read at The Oaklandside
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]