MOSCOW, April 12, 2010. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the data concerning the opinion of Russians about the problem of terrorism today. Who is responsible for terrorist acts in Moscow metro and was it possible to prevent this tragedy?
In terrorist acts on metro stations Lubyanka and Park Kultury Russians blame Chechen terrorists (51%). Every third respondent is sure that it was done by international terrorist groups (31%). Other 18% think that some groups on the West are responsible for the tragedy. International terrorism and provocation of the West appeared as the most popular versions of terrorist acts 2004, 2009 before (29 and 21%, 28 and 30%). Chechen business is suspected of terrorist acts by 16% of respondents. Russians who believe that Russian business-structures (6%) and security services (4%) are involved in acts of terror in Moscow metro are in the minority.
Every second Russian is sure that recent explosions in Moscow metro could be prevented (54%). First of all they are inhabitants of Urals (61%), young people (56%), those who don't afraid to be a victim of terrorist act or don't think about it (57-58%) and those who are sure that the methods of combating terrorism should be peaceful (57%). Every third is confident that it is impossible to avoid acts of terror (33%). As a rule they are inhabitants of Volga district (37%) and Russians of middle age (35%).
Russians blame in non-prevention of terrorist acts in metro security services (57%). Every third complains about inappropriate work of Ministry of the Interior (35%), every fifth - government (19%). 12% of respondents consider acts of terror to be fault of Ministry of Defense, 9% - President, 7% - local authorities. In opinion of 6% of respondents, population itself was not vigilant enough. Last year Russians acknowledged the guilt of Federal Security Service (44%) and local authorities (23%) in terrorist acts in the North Caucasus.
Overwhelming majority of Russians is convinced that the problem of terrorism can be solved only by use of force (75%). Over the last 8 years a number of supporters of this opinion increased (from 70 to 75%). First of all they are residents of towns (81%), of the Urals (91%) and those who are afraid to become a victim of terrorist act (77-78%). To struggle against terrorism peacefully by means of compromise are suggested by 16% of respondents, 8 years ago - by 23%. As a rule supporters of compromise are residents of both capitals (24%), of Siberia (27%) and those who don't afraid of being a victim of terrorism (25%). Use of force is more popular among men (78% vs. 73%) while women more often prefer peaceful methods (16% vs. 14%).
The initiative Russian opinion poll was conducted on April, 3-4, 2010. 1600 respondents were interviewed at 140 sampling points in 42 regions of Russia. The margin of error does not exceed 3.4 %.
In your opinion, who is responsible for acts of terror in Moscow metro? (open-ended question, up to 2 answers) | |||
| 2004: metro Rizhskaya terrorist act, hostage-taking in Beslan | 2009: terrorist acts in Ingushetia | 2010: terrorist acts in Moscow metro |
Chechen terrorists, supporters of Chechnya's independence | 49 | 42 | 51 |
Al Qaeda and other international terrorist organizations | 29 | 28 | 31 |
Some groups on the West interested in weakening of Russia | 21 | 30 | 18 |
Chechen business placed both in Russia and abroad | 16 | 17 | 16 |
Some Russian business-structures | 14 | 8 | 6 |
Russian intelligence service | 5 | 2 | 4 |
Other | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Hard to tell | 10 | 16 | 15 |
In your opinion, was it possible to prevent these terrorist acts or it is impossible to be defended from terrorism? (close-ended question, one answer) | ||||||||
| Total respondents | Central Federal District | North-Western Federal District | Southern Federal District | Volga Federal District | Urals Federal District | Siberian Federal District | Far-Eastern Federal District |
Yes, they could be prevented | 54 | 50 | 51 | 57 | 51 | 61 | 56 | 56 |
No, it is impossible to be defended from terrorism | 33 | 32 | 33 | 32 | 37 | 23 | 32 | 34 |
Hard to tell | 14 | 17 | 16 | 10 | 12 | 16 | 11 | 10 |
In your opinion, who is responsible for the fact that terrorist acts were not prevented? (close-ended question, up to 2 answers) | |||
| 2004: metro Rizhskaya terrorist act, hostage-taking in Beslan | 2009: terrorist acts in the North Caucasus | 2010: terrorist acts in Moscow metro |
Federal security service and other intelligence services | 39 | 44 | 57 |
Ministry of the Interior | 24 | 16 | 35 |
Government | 23 | 18 | 19 |
Ministry of Defense | 9 | 11 | 12 |
President | 13 | 8 | 9 |
Regional and local authorities | 18 | 23 | 7 |
Population not vigilant enough | 8 | 6 | 6 |
Hard to tell | 10 | 18 | 11 |
What point of view is closer to you? close-ended question, one answer) | ||
| 2002 | 2010 |
The problem of terrorism can be solved only by destruction of terrorists | 70 | 75 |
It's needed to negotiate and search for compromise with terrorists | 23 | 16 |
Hard to tell | 7 | 9 |
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