The methods of body search employed are pat-down, strip search and body cavity search. The person carrying out the search is clearly identifiable. Cells are not equipped with cameras. Searches are not filmed. Strip searches are carried out in a dedicated room.

Methods of constraint (handcuffs, shackles) are used after an incident, when transferring a prisoner to a high security area. Minors in the Sogradio and Tierras de Oria prisons have reported being slapped and hit by staff. The CPT notes the use of mechanical constraint on agitated minors. Some minors at the Tierras de Orias prison were immobilised on their stomach while attached to a bed for several hours. They were not allowed access to a toilet.

The Observatory of the Penal System and Human Rights (OSPDH at the University of Barcelona) has noted continued abuse by wardens, such as damage to the personal effects of prisoners.

Spain has had a radicalisation prevention programme in place for a number of years. Prison staff are required to pay close attention to the religious practices of radicalised inmates (“internos radicalizados”, IR) in terms of food, reading materials, strict adherence to rituals (fasting, prayer), clothing and tobacco consumption, amongst other things. In 2018, the prison administration distributed a “Violent radicalisation risk assessment tool”, to be completed by the prison psychologist. They are required to assess those convicted of such offences or those who show signs of radicalisation. These assessments are repeated every six months.

Article 42 of the penitentiary law of 1979 allows for various disciplinary sanctions:

• Solitary confinement, for a maximum of 14 days
• Solitary confinement at the weekend, for a maximum of seven weekends
• Denial of exit permits, for a maximum of two months
• Limit on telephone communication, for a maximum of one month
• Denial of walks and communal activities, for a maximum of one month.
• Formal warnings

Every disciplinary sanction is delivered by a collegial body: the disciplinary committee. Article 276 of the prison regulations requires the disciplinary committee to be presided over by the prison governor and to consist of the following people: the deputy director of security, an in-house lawyer, a head of department and a representative of the prison staff (chosen annually).

Solitary confinement is implemented in a dedicated unit that exists in all establishments. Cells have a surface area of around 10m2. They are equipped with a metal bed and table secured to the wall, a shelving unit and a chair. The sanitary facilities (WC, washbasin and shower) are situated within the cell. The CPT consider the lighting and ventilation to be adequate. The units are equipped with a small gym, an education room and a courtyard for exercise ¹.

Prisoners placed in solitary confinement can spend three hours outside of the cell per day. They are allowed to spend their walking time with another prisoner and in exceptional cases, activities can include up to five people. The courtyards do not provide a welcoming environment: grey, with no decoration or vegetation. The horizontal view is limited to ten metres.

Prisoners placed in solitary confinement for disciplinary reasons are initially denied access to cultural or sporting activities. Access is gradually reintroduced to allow the prisoners to demonstrate their good behaviour.

Prisoners undergoing sanctions are denied visits from their loved ones. Prisoners must be informed of the duration of any ban on telephone calls.