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June 4 Tiananmen anniversary vigil in Hong Kong: despite student snub, attendance higher than last year, with 115,000 present according to organisers

The figure is up on the 110,000 organisers claimed attended last year. Police gave the 2017 figure at 18,000

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All six soccer pitches at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay have been filled by attendees at the June 4 candlelight vigil. Photo: Winson Wong

More than 100,000 people have gathered in Victoria Park in Hong Kong to mark the 29th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown, according to the organisers of the annual candlelight vigil.

The vigil is the only large-scale public gathering in China to remember the events of June 4, 1989, that brought an abrupt end to a pro-democracy movement in the heart of Beijing. Many activists, including students and civilians, died and the exact death toll may never be known.

While large crowds are still drawn to the event in Hong Kong, attendance has dwindled in recent years. Organisers are estimating a turnout of 100,000 to 150,000 this time, despite a boycott by university student unions for the fourth year in a row.

12am: More speeches, and a march

Jaco Chow Nok-hang, vice-chairman of the League of Social Democrats, called on Hongkongers to care about dissidents on the mainland as the governments in Beijing and Hong Kong promote "cross-border integration".

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Delivering a statement on behalf of the six political groups behind the march, in front of the liaison office at midnight, Chow said: "If a regime could deploy armies against its people in the capital city, what would it dare not to do? Those who think they can stay away and safe, they are simply dreaming.

"The integration of Hong Kong and the mainland means people on both sides will share the same fate and the same pursuit for democracy.”

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After the speech, it started to rain as the groups held a moment of silence for late activists Liu Xiaobo and Li Wangyang. Following the silent moment, protesters walked past the pedestrian lane in front of the office, under police instruction, some tossing white ghost money into the air.

The rally ended in peace at about 12.30am on Tuesday, after protesters burned some ghost money, which billowed smoke in the rain.

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