diff --git a/src/conversation_textview.py b/src/conversation_textview.py
index 8c4554004..cf70cee89 100644
--- a/src/conversation_textview.py
+++ b/src/conversation_textview.py
@@ -1294,7 +1294,10 @@ class ConversationTextview(gobject.GObject):
         direction_mark = i18n.paragraph_direction_mark(unicode(text))
         # don't apply direction mark if it's status message
         if kind == 'status':
-            direction_mark = ''
+            if gtk.widget_get_default_direction() == gtk.TEXT_DIR_LTR:
+                direction_mark = u'\u200E'
+            else:
+                direction_mark = u'\u200F'
         if current_print_time == 'always' and kind != 'info' and not simple:
             timestamp_str = self.get_time_to_show(tim)
             timestamp = time.strftime(timestamp_str, tim)