Polls & Research
Archive Search
Italians Opposed to Death Penalty
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in Italy are against capital punishment, according to a poll by Ispo Ltd. 76 per cent of respondents oppose the death penalty.
In 1926, the fascist regime of Benito Mussolini re-introduced the death penalty in Italy for political crimes. Four years later, other offences were added to the regulation. Following World War II, capital punishment was only allowed in the context of a military trial. In 1994, Italy completely abolished the death penalty.
Following the capture of deposed Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein in December 2003, Italian defence minister Antonio Martino voiced his opposition to a death sentence, saying the trial should not become "revenge."
In 2003, Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi committed more than 2,000 Italian soldiers to the war in Iraq—the third largest contingent of the United States-led coalition.
Polling Data
Are you in favour or against the death penalty?
In favour | 23% |
Against | 76% |
Not sure | 1% |
Source: Ispo Ltd.
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,002 Italian adults, conducted from Sept. 6 to Sept. 12, 2005. No margin of error was provided.
