RUSSIA: NUMBER OF DEATH PENALTY SUPPORTERS GROWS

July 1, 2013: A total of 38 percent Russians support the resumption of death penalties in the country, against 33 percent in 2012, a poll, carried out by Levada Center on 6-10 June 2013 among 1,601 people in 45 Russian regions, showed.
Sixteen per cent, against 28 percent in 2012, said it was necessary to expand the death penalty application.
Twenty three percent respondents supported keeping the existing death penalty moratorium, while only 14 percent said so in 2012.
A total of 13 percent Russians said capital punishment had to be cancelled completely and 10 percent shared the same point of view in 2012.
Eleven per cent failed to answer.
When asked with what means crime is to be fought now, 49 percent respondents said “making punishment for criminal offences more severe” and 47 percent said “fair and impartial court investigation of criminal offences.”
Almost a third (28 percent) proposed to enhance police and special services work and to expand their authorities.
Six percent urged to allow citizens to carry and use weapons to protect life and property. (Sources: Interfax, 01/07/2013)