Press Emblem Campaign strongly condemns killing of US journalists

The Geneva-based Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) on Wednesday strongly condemned the killing of two TV journalists working for WDBJ7, a local CBS affiliate in Virginia, the United States.

The two journalists -- Alison Parker, 24, and cameraman Adam Ward, 27 -- were shot dead Wednesday during a live broadcast in an early morning program.

According to media reports, the two journalists were shot at close range while conducting an on-air interview.

PEC said in a statement that the UN Human Rights Council should condemn the perpetrators and enhance the protection of journalists on the ground at its September session.

According to PEC, since January this year at least 90 journalists have been killed across the world.

Founded in June 2004, PEC aims to strengthen the legal protection and safety of journalists in zones of conflict and civil unrest or in dangerous missions.