City Hall has rejected a request from the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights (CCHR) to host a meeting at Wat Phnom of recently evicted Phnom Penh residents, according to a letter released to the public on Wednesday. CCHR President Ou Virak said the meeting, which was planned for July 17, would have brought together at least 500 recently evicted residents, adding that the residents had hoped to meet with officials to discuss problems they have encountered at their various relocation sites. The released letter from Phnom Penh Deputy Governor Mann Chhoeun stated that officials had decided to put a stop to the meeting out of concerns for public safety and security. Ny Chakrya, head of monitoring for the rights group Adhoc, said the decision was regrettable. "Free expression of opinions is essential for a democratic country, whether against or in support of the government."