DAKAR, Senegal — The head of an anti-gay coalition says police have arrested 11 people in Senegal’s capital during a demonstration against the release of 11 people accused of homosexual acts.

Abdoulaye Barro said Friday about 100 people from a 20-group anti-gay coalition staged the demonstration. He said police dispersed demonstrators and arrested some because the protest wasn’t authorized.

Residents in Kaolack, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) from Dakar, say police arrested 11 people on Dec. 25 after they attended the celebration of a gay marriage. Protesters Friday called on the government to express outrage for their release some days earlier.

Homosexual acts are criminalized in at least 34 African countries, including Senegal, where they are punishable by up to five years prison and fines of up to $2,500.

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