MOSCOW, 1 November 2023. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the findings of a survey commissioned by Social Research Expert Institute and devoted to the riots at the Makhachkala airport.
Last Sunday mass riots took place in Dagestan: about 1,500 people attempted to storm the airport in Makhachkala seeking people arriving from Israel. Seventy-seven percent of Russians are somewhat aware of the incident, including 28% of those who are well aware; every second respondent heard something about it but do not know any details (49%). Twenty-three percent of respondents heard about that in the course of the survey.
A majority of Russians condemn the riot (60%; 69% of those who are aware). Almost every fifth respondent says they are indifferent (18%); and only 11% treat the protesters with understanding.
Three quarters of Russians are confident that the riots in Dagestan were organized (76%; 79% of those who are aware); only 10% say they were impromptu. Respondents believe that the riots were orchestrated by western special services (26%; 29% of those who are aware). Another 13% point out Ukrainian special forces (16% of those who are aware); 11% mention leaders of discontented Muslims in Dagestan.
Almost equal percentages of Russians consider the participants of the riots to be criminals who disrupted the airport (27%), and enemies’ enablers pursuing destabilization strategies (26%). Another 16% call the protesters nationalists promoting antisemitism; 7% refer to them as idea-driven fighters supporting Palestine; 22% remain undecided.
Every second respondent supports harsher punishment for the participants of the protests (48%; 51% of those who are aware); 31% oppose them; 20% are undecided.
VCIOM-Sputnik Russian nationwide telephone survey was commissioned by EISI and conducted 31 October, 2023. A total of 1,600 aged 18 and over were surveyed. Survey method: telephone interviews, stratified random sample based on a complete list of mobile phone numbers in use in Russia. The data were weighted for socio-demographic characteristics. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level does not exceed 2.5%. In addition to sampling error, minor changes to the wording of questions and different circumstances arising during the fieldwork can introduce bias into the survey.
Last Sunday, about 1,500 protesters attempted to storm the airport in Dagestan seeking Israeli citizens who arrived from Israel. Do you know, have you heard, or do you hear for the first time about it? (close-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | |
| Total |
I am well aware | 28 |
I heard something but I do not know any details | 49 |
This is the first time I hear about that | 23 |
People have different attitudes towards the participants of the riots. Some understand them, some condemn, while others express no emotions. Which view is closer to yours? (close-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | ||
| Total | % of those who are aware |
Understanding | 11 | 10 |
Condemnation | 60 | 69 |
No emotions, indifferent | 18 | 14 |
Don’t know | 10 | 7 |
I know nothing about that | 1 | - |
In your opinion, were the riots impromptu or organized? (close-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | ||
| Total | % of those who are aware |
Impromptu | 10 | 12 |
Organized | 76 | 79 |
Don’t know | 11 | 9 |
I know nothing about that | 3 | - |
In your opinion, who orchestrated the riots at the Makhachkala airport? (close-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | ||
| Total | % of those who are aware |
Western special services | 26 | 29 |
Ukrainian special services | 13 | 16 |
Leaders among dissatisfied Dagestani Muslims | 11 | 12 |
Opposition in Dagestan | 4 | 4 |
Opposition in Russia | 2 | 3 |
No one, it was impromptu | 7 | 7 |
Other | 8 | 9 |
Don’t know | 26 | 20 |
I know nothing about that | 3 | - |
Let’s talk about the riots at the airport. There are different assessments and opinions. I will read out some of them. Which opinion are you more likely to agree with? Participants of the riots are… (close-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | ||
| Total | % of those who are aware |
Criminals who disrupted the airport; people suffered because of them | 27 | 27 |
Enemies' enablers because their actions were aimed at destabilization | 26 | 29 |
Nationalists promoting antisemitism | 16 | 17 |
Idea-driven fighters who advocate for Palestine | 7 | 7 |
Don't know | 22 | 19 |
I know nothing about that | 2 | 1 |
Some people consider that the authorities must respond to what happened and punish the participants. Others consider that there should not be harsh punishment. In your opinion, how should the authorities respond? (close-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | ||
| Total | % of those who are aware |
To punish the participants | 48 | 51 |
It is better not to use harsh punishment | 31 | 31 |
Don't know | 20 | 18 |
I know nothing about that | 1 | - |