KINGSTON, Jamaica – People’s National Party (PNP) Senator Damion Crawford has said that the decision to place Chairman of the Police Federation Corporal Rohan James on interdiction sets a dangerous precedent.

According to Crawford, putting James on interdiction is an action that ultimately serves to intimidate. He said that if allowed to go unchallenged, it will dissuade others within the unions from speaking freely.

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

“What has happened to Corporal Rohan James is very dangerous to the country’s democracy. He is the head of the union, the federation of the rank-and-file and he should be able to speak on behalf of the federation. What I heard him say, in no way suggests to me that there should be such actions of an interdiction,” Crawford said.

“And I think that this is public punishment that says be careful and be warned but what does this mean for the JTA (Jamaica Teachers Association), what does this mean for the Nurses Association (of Jamaica), what does this mean for the unions across this country?” said Crawford.

The opposition senator expressed that the issue should be challenged in court by the PNP and civil society groups.

“I believe that these are issues that the PNP and other groups should take up on behalf of the federation because if this goes through no one will be willing to speak freely and frankly on behalf of the rank-and-file who are the ones being sacrificed, “ he added.