(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The vast majority of people in Spain are convinced about the origin of the country's deadliest terrorist attack, according to a poll by Instituto Opina released by Cadena Ser. 62.1 per cent of respondents think the recent Madrid bombings trial made it clear the culprits were Islamic terrorists.

On Mar. 11, 2004, a series of explosions in one of Madrid's main railway stations, as well as three commuter trains, killed 191 people. A group allegedly linked to the al-Qaeda network claimed responsibility, saying the attacks were prepared in retaliation for Spain's support of the United States-led coalition effort in Iraq.

In the early stages of the investigation, the administration headed by Spanish president José María Aznar of the Popular Party (PP) blamed separatist armed group Basque Motherland and Liberty (ETA) for the bombings.

In February, the Madrid bombings trial got underway in Spain. In all, 20 defendants—most of them Moroccan—are accused of carrying out the attack, aided by nine Spaniards who allegedly trafficked explosive materials. Spain abolished the death penalty for all crimes in 1995. In accordance with Spain's Penal Code, a conviction would carry a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison for each defendant.

On Jul. 2, the trial ended with the defence's closing arguments. All the accused have pleaded not guilty. A verdict is expected by mid-October. Pilar Manjón, who serves as the president of an association of March 11 victims and whose 20-year-old son was killed in the attack, told reporters that day: "I don't want an exemplary sentence—just a fair one that adjusts to Spanish law".

Polling Data

Do you think the Madrid bombings trial has made it clear that the culprits were Islamic terrorists?

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