(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in Peru's capital believe capital punishment would be suitable in specific circumstances, according to a poll by Apoyo published in El Comercio. 81 per cent of respondents in Lima would allow the death penalty for people convicted of raping young children.

In addition, 69 per cent of respondents back capital punishment for rape in general, 64 per cent for terrorism, 61 per cent for premeditated murder, and 53 per cent for acts of treason during a foreign war. Support is lower for cases of drug trafficking, kidnapping, political corruption and theft.

In August 2006, Peruvian president Alan García urged the country's lawmakers to support his proposal to allow the death penalty for child abusers and murderers, saying, "I think society needs more rigour and order, and delinquents need tougher sanctions. (...) I think these people have no right to live."

On Jan. 10, the Congress of the Republic rejected García's proposal in a 49-26 vote. Peruvian prime Jorge del Castillo discussed the situation, saying, "This is a Congressional defeat, but not a political one. (.) The government and the president delivered on their promise of introducing the bill. The majority of parliament had a different opinion, and we respect that."

The South American country abolished capital punishment in 1979, with the exception of crimes of treason committed in a time of war, and terrorism.

Polling Data

Would you agree or disagree with allowing the death penalty in the following situations?

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