# Mock Citizen-Arresting Stunts This Shocking Stunt for 'Znak' Addresses Freedom of Speech Issues By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2013-10-22 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freedom-of-speech-issues References: [creativeguerrillamarketing](http://www.creativeguerrillamarketing.com/guerrilla-marketing/fake-crime-stunt-shocks-russian-pedestrians/) & [znak](http://znak.com/) Online Russian newspaper 'Znak' set up a shocking stunt to get its message across about [freedom of speech issues](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/operation-retweet). In response to its Chief Editor, Aksana Panova being sent to jail, Znak set up a [guerrilla stunt](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/road-to-radiance) that gave "sentences" to people on the street for providing answers to simple questions. The 'Truth is Dangerous' campaign features a man asking seemingly innocent enough questions, like directions to a particular location or what time it is. When he was provided with a response, two masked men dressed in black would come out of nowhere and detain the person who answered the question. A small jury then assembles to watch the delivery of [ridiculous years of sentencing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thoughts-prayers-toilet-paper) for these "crimes." After being handed a sheet of paper promoting Znak's message, the mock jury rapidly disassembles. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 32% | Activity: 77% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Pranks](https://www.trendhunter.com/pranks) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Shock Stunts:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Businesses can utilize shock stunts to raise awareness and engage audiences in important social issues. - **Guerrilla Marketing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Companies can employ guerrilla marketing tactics to create memorable experiences and generate buzz for their brand. - **Freedom of Speech Advocacy:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Organizations can leverage unconventional campaigns to highlight and address freedom of speech issues in society. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Media and Journalism:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Media companies can explore bold and creative ways to communicate important messages and engage audiences. - **Advertising and Marketing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Marketing agencies can incorporate shock tactics and guerrilla marketing strategies to create impactful campaigns for their clients. - **Advocacy and Activism:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Non-profit organizations and activist groups can utilize unconventional methods to raise awareness and mobilize public support for freedom of speech. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Journalist-Focused Short Films](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-shooting.md) - [Provocative Guerrilla Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mwcurated.md) - [Provocative Banned Books Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banned-books-jail.md) - [Creative Protest Archives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pocket-protests.md) - [Police Filming Awareness Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/get-real-movement.md) - [Athletic Apparel Interactive Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shoplift-campaign.md) - [Drug-Themed April Fool's Gags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/innocean-berlin.md) - [Mock Social Good Fashion Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/not-models-own.md) - [Unexpectedly-Amusing Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquid-death-misfortune-cookies.md)