YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–The Center for Sociological Studies of the National Academy of Sciences carried out a poll on October 30 and 31 to find out the public’s opinion about the October 27 terrorist act.
Of the people questioned during the poll 56.9 percent said that the October 27 events were a crime against statehood and the country’s authorities. According to 8.6 percent of those polled the tragedy in the parliament is nothing but a crime–whereas 26.8 percent said these events were the result of the heavy condition in Armenia and a step to lead the country of the crisis.
63.4 percent of those questioned believe that the terrorist group consisted of assassins–traitors and enemies–while according to 19.1 percent–they were courageous persons who decided to commit the crime. 8.7 percent of those polled describe the terrorists as disinterested persons–whereas 1 percent said they were persons committed to an ideology. 81.8 percent of the poll said the terrorists should be severely punished: 44 percent demanded capital punishment for the terrorists–while 5.6 percent believe that the terrorists should be acquitted and released.
According to 18.7 percent of the poll–the terrorist act was committed by a group of zealots–whereas 44.3 percent believe that internal forces are behind them. 17 percent of the respondents believe that the terrorist act was instigated by external forces. One person said that they accomplished the will of the majority of the population. 38.4 percent of those who believe that the terrorists were backed up by external forces blamed the US–24.1 percent said Turkey–14.3 percent blamed Azerbaijan–8.9–Russia. 39.4 percent of those who believe that the terrorist act was organized by internal forces blame the current authorities of Armenia–8.9 percent accuse former authorities–4.6 percent accuse opponents of the "Unity" bloc–4.2 percent blame different parties–2 percent said it was those who care about Armenia’s future. More than 40 percent found it difficult to answer the question.
About 90.9 percent of the respondents are indignant and shocked–2.8 percent are satisfied and thankful–3.5 percent said that they do not care.
80.1 percent of those questioned agree with the demand of Defense Ministry to fire interior–national security ministers and prosecutor general. Of this group 18 percent would also like the president of Armenia to resign. According to 12.5 percent of those polled it is necessary to rally around the president.
The Center for Sociological Studied notes that the data provided may change given further developmen’s.
