Cambodia Center of Human Rights (CCHR) officials alleged that its unscheduled informal meeting between its President Kem Sokha, and local residents, in Au Oknha Heng district, Sihanouk Ville, was disrupted by Prey Nup district's authorities.
CCHR officials considered this incidence a violation of people's human rights to assemble and against the constitution, and compared it to the way of life under the Khmer Rouge regime.
CCHR officials said 10 police officers were deployed at the site where Mr. Kem Sokha was to talk to some local residents to discourage people from talking to the CCHR president. Mr. Kem said the village chief told him that this meeting did not get his permission.
Mr. Kem said that this move is a hindrance to democracy and the people's rights. Koki village chief, Mr. Ung Mou did comment on the allegations, but said that he did not disturb the meeting by playing music using his loud speakers. He said he only wanted to repair them. Radio and TV repairman, Mr. Sem Phum, said that he checked the loud speakers and they were fine.
Chief Warrant Officer, Mr. Ker Sokhon said that the police did not threaten the people. The CCHR immediately issued a press release Friday about the disruption, and pointed out that there was no arrest made.
Cambodian government spokesman and Minister of Information Khiev Kanharith, dismissed all the accusations.