CAT/OP/CRI/ROSP/1 mentioned by the persons in their care, and that information related to an injury be dealt with effectively, as required under the Istanbul Protocol. Management of high-risk persons deprived of their liberty 68. In the San Rafael special prison ward, high-risk prisoners serve their sentences in individual cells; they are not able to go outside, nor do they have access to education, activities or work. Although a few inmates had televisions in their cells, others had no access to any type of external information, whether by television, newspapers, periodicals or magazines. Various inmates mentioned the presence of rats in their cells, insufficient food and inadequate access to medical care. Almost all the inmates interviewed had cuts on their arms, abdomen and neck, which they had self-inflicted in order to obtain medical care. The Subcommittee requested medical attention for several inmates with open wounds. The Subcommittee interviewed one inmate with mental problems. He had spent several years in the unit, but had received no visits, as he came from another city, and had not been given any psychiatric or psychological treatment. 69. The women on the maximum-security F wing of the Vilma Curling closed rehabilitation centre were held in appalling conditions in cells with access to a small courtyard surrounded by bars. 70. The Subcommittee understands that some persons deprived of their liberty require heightened security measures. Nevertheless, such measures must not amount to an additional sentence. The Subcommittee is of the opinion that any security measure that leads to a groundless deterioration of prison conditions constitutes a form of ill-treatment of persons deprived of their liberty. In addition, a number of prisoners in the San Rafael special prison ward suffered continuous ill-treatment from the prison personnel. 71. The Subcommittee urges the State party to ensure that the rights of high-risk prisoners are respected, in line with international standards. High-risk prisoners must have access to exercise, activities, association with other persons deprived of their liberty and information from and communication with the outside world, especially with their family members. In addition, any placement in solitary confinement must be applied for the shortest period of time possible and prisoners must undergo an assessment when they are first admitted to prison and at regular intervals thereafter, so that security measures and regimes may be adjusted accordingly. 10 The Subcommittee also urgently requests that each of the prisoners housed in the San Rafael special prison ward be given medical attention and, where appropriate, psychological or psychiatric care, and that the prison personnel be ordered to stop physical abuse of prisoners. The Subcommittee recommends the Public Prosecution Service to compile any complaints, while respecting all appropriate legal safeguards, and to expedite investigations into any potential crimes. Disciplinary practices 72. The Subcommittee noted that the national prison system regulations establish a disciplinary procedure and prohibit the automatic application of disciplinary sanctions and collective punishments, as well as the total restriction of contact with family members, deprivation of sexual relations and reduction of food, among other measures. However, the Subcommittee received numerous complaints from prisoners being held in maximumsecurity cell blocks about restricted access to water and deprivation of sports activities, employment or educational activities as a collective punishment. 73. The Subcommittee recalls that collective punishment and restrictions on access to water are to be strictly prohibited. Any restriction of the rights of persons deprived of their liberty must be the consequence of a disciplinary procedure in which due process is observed. 10 12 See United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Handbook on the Management of Violent Extremist Prisoners and the Prevention of Radicalization to Violence in Prisons, 2016. GE.21-00153