KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP) says it is deeply concerned about the recent interdiction of the Chairman of the Jamaica Police Federation, Corporal Rohan James, and has raised questions about the fairness of the decision.

Corporal James was interdicted by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) over remarks he made earlier this month at a funeral service for a slain cop. James was notified on Wednesday that following a probe into the remarks, police commissioner Major General Antony Anderson asked that disciplinary action be taken against him at a Court of Enquiry. He was subsequently interdicted from duty with immediate effect at three-quarters of his salary.

READ: Police Federation boss interdicted after criticising high command, faces dismissal

But in a release on Thursday, the Opposition dubbed the JCF’s decision “extreme” and said they believe it contravenes James’ constitutional right to free speech. The party has since called on the commissioner of police to reconsider his decision.

“The PNP firmly upholds the principles of free speech and the right of every citizen, including public servants, to express their opinions without fear of reprisal. Corporal Rohan James, as the head of the Police Federation, has not only the right but also the duty to advocate for the welfare and interests of his fellow police officers,” the Opposition’s statement read. “Expressing concerns about the upholding of a court order should not be grounds for punitive action but rather seen as a responsible act in the interests of justice. As the elected representative of the Police Federation’s members, it is within Chairman James’ purview to voice his concerns and demand the proper enforcement of the court order for the benefit of police officers.”

The PNP went further to state that “a fair and transparent court system is fundamental to maintaining trust between law enforcement and the public” and said the “federation’s efforts to uphold this principle should be acknowledged and supported, not penalised.”

Speaking at the thanksgiving service for the life of slain Constable Damien Blair at the Old Harbour New Testament Church of God in the St Catherine on July 15, James reportedly chided the Police High Command for allegedly failing to have overtime payments made to rank-and-file police personnel, despite the Government approving such a system to calculate and make the payments.

“Mark my word and I also want to say to the High Command and our Commissioner, ‘God help you if the membership is not paid their overtime this month,’” James is quoted as saying, adding that the federation will not be “muzzled, intimidated, nor bamboozled.”