The man accused of the Christchurch terrorist attacks has lodged a formal complaint over how he is being treated behind bars, Stuff reports.

A Corrections source told the publication the prisoner complained he was being denied access to visitors and phone calls from his cell at the Auckland Prison at Paremoremo.

The Department of Corrections website states, “prisoners have the right to be treated with humanity, dignity and respect while in prison”.

There are human rights standards in place to ensure safe detention.

The minimum entitlements under the Corrections Act state everyone in custody is entitled to exercise, bedding, a proper diet, one private visitor a week, a legal adviser, medical treatment, healthcare, mail, and telephone calls.

However, entitlements can be withheld under some circumstances, including being segregated or in protective custody, health and safety and because it’s not practicable.

The source told Stuff the alleged gunman was compliant, but said he was “unlike anyone else we’ve got”.

“He’s under constant observation and isolation,” the source said.

“He doesn’t get the usual minimum entitlements … so no phone calls and no visits.”