NCJ Number
73711
Journal
Public Opinion Quarterly Volume: 13 Dated: (Fall 1979) Pages: 410-418
Date Published
1979
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The results from public opinion polls that were conducted in the Netherlands, West Germany, Spain, Great Britain, and the United States indicate deep concern over the increase in the frequency of acts of violence involving hostages.
Abstract
Late in 1977, 90 percent of the U.S. population considered terrorism a very serious problem. An opinion survey conducted 6 months later in Great Britain revealed that 85 percent of the British population held the same view. In addition, the farther from home the acts of violence take place, the less sure people were whether the perpetrators were to be seen as terrorists or as freedom fighters. In surveys that contained a list of statements on the causes of terrorism, the 'Not sure/Don't know' percentages were much higher in Great Britain than they were in the United States. Introduction of the death penalty for terrorists was favored by a majority of 55 percent in Germany, 55 percent in the United States, and 71 percent in Great Britain. In the Netherlands, 62 percent were in favor of placing South Moluccans under strict surveillance, even if the country somewhat resembled a police state. Finally, an opinion survey conducted in Germany in early 1978 revealed that 21 percent, or one out of five Germans, felt that individuals had to be careful about what they said in the Federal Republic and that they were afraid of being misunderstood and of being suspected of sympathizing with the terrorists. Survey questions and tabular data are included.