(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - A majority of people in Spain believe the European country's authorities are prepared to stop terrorism, according to a poll by Metroscopia published in ABC. 53 per cent of respondents think the necessary measures have been taken to avoid an attack similar to the one that occurred in 2004 in Madrid.

On Mar. 11, 2004, a series of explosions in one of Madrid's main railway stations, as well as three commuter trains, killed 190 people. A group allegedly linked to the al-Qaeda network claimed responsibility later, saying the attacks were prepared in retaliation for Spain's support of the United States-led military campaign in Iraq.

In the early stages of the investigation, the administration headed by president José María Aznar of the Popular Party (PP) blamed separatist armed group Basque Motherland and Liberty (ETA) for the bombings. In the general election held three days after the attacks, the Socialist Worker's Party (PSOE)—led by José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero—emerged victorious.

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. A verdict is expected in October.

On Apr. 10, a Spanish Civil Guard officer testifying under the alias "Victor" said he had alerted the authorities that his intelligence contact was ready to supply explosives to terrorists a year before the deadly bombings. Days later, relatives of the victims urged members of the Aznar government to acknowledge their "political responsibility" for the attacks.

Polling Data

Three years have passed since the deadly terrorist attacks in Madrid. Do you think the necessary measures have been taken to stop a similar attack from happening?

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