An independent body of Sudanese journalists says its members have started a strike in support of popular demands for freedom and democratic transformation.

A union statement Thursday says the three-day strike is also a protest against censorship of news outlets by authorities.

The strike is the latest in a series of demonstrations to press demands for President Omar al Bashir to quit. The demonstrators are also protesting against rising prices and shortages of food.

The London-based rights group Amnesty International reported that at least   37 people have died in the protests. The government has acknowledged fatalities, but gave no figures.

Sudanese doctors have been on strike since Tuesday.