Two In Five Americans Back Use Of Torture Against Terror Suspects: Poll

WASHINGTON, Aug 18 (AFP) - More than two in five Americans say torture can be used to extract information from suspected terrorists, according to a poll released Wednesday.
But the Pew Research Center poll showed that a majority, 53 percent, believes violent interrogations should rarely or never be applied, while 43 percent say such tactics are often or sometimes justified.
The poll comes four months after US media showed photos of US prison guards humiliating and abusing Iraqi prisoners at the infamous Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.
The survey showed a gap in opinion between men and women.
While 48 percent of men say torture is often or sometimes justified, only 36 percent of women agree.
Fifty-four percent of men under 50 and 41 percent of men 50 and older back the use of torture.
Among US voters, 58 percent of President George W. Bush's supporters approve the use of torture, while 65 percent of Democratic White House hopeful John Kerry's backers say it should rarely or never be used.
The Republican president will face Kerry in the November 2 election.
The poll took place between July 8-18 among 2,009 Americans.