A Mississippi judge says an architect indicted on cyberstalking did not violate bond conditions by requesting information from the city of Meridian and Lauderdale County.

Attorney Matt Baldridge says the circuit judge’s order is “vindication” for Mitchel Marshall’s right to defend himself against a charge that he considers an “attempt to stifle freedom of speech.”

The Meridian Star reports a grand jury indicted Marshall in May, stating that in March and April 2018, he sent numerous text messages “for the purpose of threatening, terrifying, or harassing” another architect, Bob Luke.

Also in May, Luke asked a chancery judge for a protective order against Marshall, saying Marshall was using public records requests for a “fishing expedition” about Luke’s business.

The requests sought communication between Luke and Lauderdale County officials.