E/CN.4/2004/56/Add.2
page 2
Summary
At the invitation of the Government, the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture
undertook a visit to Spain from 5 to 10 October 2003 within the framework of his mandate. The
Special Rapporteur expresses his appreciation to the Government of Spain for having extended
full cooperation to him during the mission. The report contains a study of the legal and factual
aspects regarding allegations of torture or ill-treatment, in particular as regards detainees held in
connection with counter-terrorism measures. The Special Rapporteur concludes that torture or
ill-treatment is not systematic in Spain, but that the system as it is practised allows torture or
ill-treatment to occur, particularly with regard to persons detained incommunicado in connection
with terrorist-related activities. Accordingly, he recommends a number of measures to be
adopted by the Government in order to comply with its commitment to prevent and suppress acts
of torture and other forms of ill-treatment.