Poll: 63% of Americans support torture in terrorist interrogation

A new poll from Reuters/Ipsos has revealed that 63% of the Americans surveyed supported the use of torture to obtain information, while just 15% said that it should never be used. Of those polled, Republican supporters showed stronger support for the idea than Democrats (82% versus 53%). The survey also revealed that 60% of respondents felt that a terrorist attack would occur in the US in the coming six months, with transport hubs deemed a key target.

Almost two-thirds of Americans support torturing terror suspects, a new poll has found.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 63% said torture should often or sometimes be used to get information; only 15% said it should never be used. Support was stronger among Republicans (82%) than Democrats (53%). These figures represent an uptick in torture support, which Reuters says has hovered around 50% in recent years.

Additionally, two-thirds of respondents believe it is very or somewhat likely that a terrorist attack will occur in the U.S. in the next six months. They feel especially concerned at airports and bus and train stations.

The poll includes 1,976 people surveyed online from March 22-28 and has a credibility interval of 2.5%.

[Reuters]

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