As one of Japan's most respected newspapers incurs a tumult of jeers from critics for admitting erroneous reporting, a group of prominent lawyers is rallying in its support.
On Friday they urged the Asahi Shimbun not to discipline its staff but to keep its reporting flame undimmed in a field where it stands alone as Japan's main left-of-center daily newspaper.
"Such disciplinary actions might discourage field reporters," said activist lawyer Taketoshi Nakayama, who headed the group. "We are concerned that such conduct would threaten freedom of the press."