E/CN.4/1990/17 page 4 regard to their lodging, were necessary. It was denied, however, that they were lodged in soundproof cells; moreover, all of them had radio-sets, record players or tape recorders in their cells. During certain hours of the day they could have contact with other prison inmates, but most of them refused to do so as they did not consider themselves as common criminals; to this extent, therefore, their isolation was self-chosen. They had regular contacts with their lawyers (in private) and with other visitors and could correspond with other detainees belonging to the same group and with the outside world, although such correspondence was subject to censorship. The Special Rapporteur was provided with detailed information about the prison conditions of each of the prisoners concerned. He was assured that the matter had the constant attention of the Government and that measures had been taken and were under consideration to make prison life as humane as possible for this special category of detainees. 16. During the second session of the Committee against Torture, established under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Special Rapporteur had an exchange of views with the Committee on 18 April 1989. The content of this exchange of views is reflected in the report of the Committee to the General Assembly (A/44/46, paras. 15-21). The Special Rapporteur also had informal consultations with the Chairman of the Committee. The Special Rapporteur welcomes the opportunity to have periodical consultations with a treaty-based body which, though its functions are of a different - albeit complementary - character, serves the same goal, viz. the eradication of torture. 17. The Committee established under the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment has been appointed and started its work on 13 November 1989. The Special Rapporteur will keep himself informed of the work of the Committee and seek contacts with the Committee whenever he deems it useful for the carrying out of his mandate. 18. Another important event was the adoption by the General Assembly, by its resolution 43/173 of 9 December 1988, of the Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment. Since the contents of this document are closely linked with his mandate, the Special Rapporteur will come back to it in chapter V "Conclusions and recommendations".