An impressive demonstration of what press oppression feels like was achieved by clearing public newspaper stands of news. By doing so, we showed what eventually happens when freedom of press is not defended vigorously: independent journalists are intimidated or even arrested and our freedom to gather free information is undermined. Instead of the daily news, people would find a stand with only paper holders in front of a black board. The message called to release imprisoned journalists and appeared to be “behind bars” itself – thereby generating a visual effect related to the topic. Our target person was encouraged to visit the website – where more information on the subject is to be found.

People that usually were just reaching for their newspaper of choice were taken aback by the action. In high traffic locations, where people usually go quickly after their own business, this relevant ambient action had a strong effect and a good deal of “stopping-power”. The sheer awareness that has been generated by the action is hard to measure – but it was intense, as interviews with “stoppers” proved.