A Journalist’s Last Moments
Arman Soldin, a 32-year-old journalist working for the renowned Agence France-Presse (AFP), tragically lost his life in a rocket attack in the proximity of Chasiv Yar, a town close to Bakhmut, while covering the conflict in Ukraine. Mr. Soldin was with a team of AFP journalists who were accompanying Ukrainian soldiers when they were suddenly attacked with Grad rockets. The rest of the team was fortunate enough to survive the attack.
War Zone: Russian Forces Targeting Bakhmut
Bakhmut has been at the center of the longest battle in the war, with Russian forces attempting to capture the city for the past nine months. Born in Sarajevo and a French citizen, Mr. Soldin arrived in Ukraine to report on the conflict on the day after the Russian invasion on February 24th, 2022. Despite the high risks involved, he regularly travelled to the front lines in recent months.
Dangers of Journalism in Conflict Zones
The Chairman of AFP, Fabrice Fries, conveyed his deepest sympathies and stated that “His death is a terrible reminder of the risks and dangers faced by journalists every day covering the conflict in Ukraine”. Unfortunately, Mr. Soldin is not the only journalist to have lost his life while covering the war in Ukraine. According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 10 media workers have been killed. RSF Director Christophe Deloire described Mr. Soldin’s death as “a tragedy for all those who defend the independence and reliability of information”.
US Secretary of State Offers Condolences
In a speech delivered in Washington on Tuesday, the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, expressed his condolences to Mr. Soldin’s family and loved ones. He praised the daily courage of journalists who cover the war and acknowledged the countless journalists who risk their lives to uncover and report on the truth in extremely hazardous environments.
AFP expressed their devastation over the death of Mr. Soldin, saying that “all of our thoughts go out to his family and loved ones”. The loss of Arman Soldin is another reminder of the critical role that journalists play in shedding light on conflicts and upholding the principles of a free press.
