Police this morning blocked a somber march of parents of the teens who were killed on the Sewol ferry that capsized and sank off South Korea last month.  The parents are demanding a meeting with President Park Geun-hye, who is facing mounting criticism about the government’s initial slow response to the disaster.

“Listen to us, President Park.  Just give us ten seconds!,” said one parent, using a portable address system.  “Why are you blocking the way?” asked another who demanded, “President Park hear our voices!”

Unable to advance, they sat outside in the cold, huddled in rows under beige blankets.   One mother, overcome with grief, quietly sobbed as she stroked a portrait of her dead son.

Meanwhile, South Korean prosecutors detained and questioned the head of the company that owns the Sewol ferry, about alleged cargo overloading that is believed to have contributed if not caused the ship to turn over.  All 15 surviving crewmembers involved in the ferry’s navigation have been arrested, accused of negligence and failing to protect passengers.  304 people are confirmed dead or still missing after last month’s disaster.