The photos and videos broadcast in a loop on the screens testify to his joie de vivre, with a contagious smile that never left him. His professionalism too, whether on the front or in English football stadiums. On the initiative of his family, a memorial space opened this Thursday at the Espace West France in Rennes to pay tribute to Arman Soldin, the AFP journalist killed on May 9 in a Russian rocket strike in Ukraine.
Before his funeral, which will be celebrated next week in the intimacy of the family, the public will be able for three days to come and say goodbye to the 32-year-old videographer reporter, born in Sarajevo but who grew up in Rennes and where his mother and brother live.
As a child, he had worn the colors of Stade Rennais
In front of a portrait of the journalist holding a cat in his arms, Hervé meditates by placing two candles in the colors of Ukraine. “I did not know him personally but I wanted to be present to express to his family all my respect for his admirable work”, testifies this manager of the collective All Behind Ukraine.
Ten days ago, Stade Rennais had already paid tribute to Arman Soldin, who had worn the Red and Black colors from 2006 to 2008. Before the kick-off of the match against Troyes, a minute of applause had been observed while the photo of the AFP video coordinator was displayed on the screens of Roazhon Park.
The memorial space is open at Espace Ouest-France in Rennes this Thursday until 7 p.m., from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m.