The Arabist

The Arabist

By Issandr El Amrani and friends.

BBC poll: One third support torture

A BBC survey in 25 countries on the usage of torture showed some depressing results. One third of those surveyed insisted torture could be used in prison on circumstances.
More than 27,000 people in 25 countries were asked if torture was acceptable if it could provide information to save innocent lives.

In Egypt, according to the poll, 65% voted against employing all sorts of torutre, while 25% saw it legitimate under "some circumstances."
Egyptian citizen from Arish, Mohamed Sharif, tortured and sexually abused by police 2006

And surprise, surprise:
Israel has the largest percentage of those polled endorsing the use of a degree of torture on prisoners, with 43% saying they agreed that some degree of torture should be allowed.

You can read the full BBC report here.

Related link: Egyptian police abuse videos