At least 186 journalists from 35 countries have died of COVID-19 in the last four months. 

The data were published on Wednesday in Geneva by the non-governmental organization Press Emblem Campaign (PEC).

Latin America remains the most affected region, the PEC said in a statement.

According to the PEC, the actual figure is higher, becuase journalists who died during this period have not been tested or their deaths have not been publicly announced. 

As PEC Secretary-General noted: "In some countries a count takes place, in others there is less information on the evolution of the pandemic which distorts the comparison at the international level."

"By region, Latin America remains the most affected continent, with at least 93 journalists killed by the virus, ahead of Asia 34 victims, Europe 26, Africa 19 and North America 14. Peru is the country with the highest number of victims (37). Brazil comes second, with 16 victims, then Mexico (14). The United States follows, with 13 victims just ahead of Ecuador (12). 

Next in line comes Pakistan with 10 deaths, then Bangladesh with 9 and India also 9, Nigeria 8, United Kingdom 7, ahead of Russia 5 and Bolivia also 5. 

The PEC has counted 4 victims in Nicaragua and France, then with 3 deaths in each country: Cameroon, the Dominican Republic, Italy and Spain.

Two victims have been identified in Algeria, Colombia, Egypt, Sweden and one victim in the following countries: Afghanistan, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Panama, South Africa, Togo, Zimbabwe," the statement added