'Missing Articles' Tell Story of WSJ Reporter Detained in Russia

In the Wall Street Journal today, stark white space helps tell the story of reporter Evan Gershkovich, detained for the past year by Russian security services.

Russia has accused Gershkovich of spying, a claim Evan, the WSJ and White House vehemently deny. 

Now, Gershkovich’s picture and headlines such as “His Story Should Be Here” top otherwise blank columns in print and online, seeking to spotlight the journalist’s plight.

Experts believe Russia snatched Gershkovich in order to eventually swap him for prisoners held by the U.S.

“Through this campaign, the Journal amplifies the conversation around Evan’s unjust detainment and the efforts to bring him home and shares a powerful message about the importance of protecting press freedom around the world,” say the WSJ and creative agency Mother, which helped develop the appeal.

Sadly, the work appears a few days after Russia rounded up six independent journalists. Among them is Antonina Favorskaya. She chronicled the career of opposition leader Alexey Navalny, who died last month in a Siberian prison.