ZAGREB: Prime Minister Calls Patient’s Death a Murder
Andrej Plenković, the Prime Minister of Croatia, has described the death of 32-year-old Kristian Josip Periš at a psychiatric hospital in Zagreb as an unequivocal act of murder. During a press briefing on November 10, Plenković revealed that he had personally reviewed surveillance footage from the facility, responding to inquiries about the still undetermined cause of death by stating, “Watch the video.”
Kristian Periš, a former athlete and graduate in kinesiotherapy, passed away on October 21 at the St. John’s Clinic for Psychiatry located in the Jankomir area of Zagreb. Initial reports from Croatian media indicate that the autopsy revealed numerous bruises, fractured ribs, and swelling of the lungs and brain. His family asserts that hospital staff initially informed them that he died from heart failure.
Four medical technicians are currently under suspicion for the aggravated murder of a vulnerable individual. The court has placed them in custody for one month, citing potential risks of reoffending and witness tampering. It is important to note that they are presumed innocent until a court ruling is made. At their first hearing, three of the four remained silent regarding the allegations.
Details from Surveillance Footage
A local newspaper, Jutarnji list, has gained access to surveillance footage from the clinic and offered a thorough commentary on what it entails, although the video itself was withheld “out of respect for the family.” The footage, which spans slightly more than eight minutes, captures Periš being restrained while a pillow is pressed over his head and staff members forcefully apply pressure to his neck and chest.
During the video, Periš is shown immobilized by leather straps on his arms and legs, while ward staff continue to engage in aggressive and coercive tactics against him. One technician applies a pillow on Periš’s head and presses down with his knee, while another technician also participates in the restraint, contributing to the assault.
As the footage unfolds, a psychiatrist observes the events with crossed arms while the staff members restrain Periš. The psychiatrist is seen facilitating the restraint process by giving commands and distributing additional straps. Approximately ten individuals were present in the room during the incident, where medical staff eventually administered an injection to Periš. Disturbingly, the footage indicates that one technician physically assaulted Periš after he appeared unresponsive.
Police Intervention and Documentation
Reports from the police indicate that prior to being taken to the St. John Psychiatric Clinic, family members had reported that Kristian was experiencing paranoid thoughts. Upon their arrival at the clinic, a second physician assured the police that Periš had been subdued and posed no threat, leading the officers to depart without further action.
The police documentation highlighted that the medical personnel described Periš as non-aggressive and compliant with their methods. Additionally, the family’s attorney claims that hospital records affirm he exhibited no aggressive behavior upon admission.
Resignations Follow After Incident
In the aftermath of the incident, the hospital’s director, her deputy, and the head nurse submitted their resignations on November 12. The following day, four members of the governing board, including the chairman, also resigned. The chairman noted that an internal investigation commenced on October 22, days after the incident, yet police were notified only on November 5.
Political Implications of the Case
This tragic incident has sparked a significant political controversy. St. John Psychiatric Clinic is publicly owned, and the ruling Mayor Tomislav Tomašević of the Možemo party has faced accusations of double standards from Prime Minister Plenković. The opposition parties have vehemently rejected such claims as unfounded.
The Ministry of Health has called for accountability from local authorities, and an exceptional session of the city council is scheduled to address the issues within the psychiatric facility. The Croatian Association of Hospital Doctors (HUBOL) has urged for a focus on the systemic nature of the tragedy rather than reducing it to political maneuvering.
Calls for Systemic Reforms
The Croatian Union of Mental Health Associations (SUMEZ) has emphasized that accountability must extend beyond the four accused individuals, asking for an inquiry into those who ordered the restraints and monitored the situation. They highlight a systemic failure in mental health care, illustrating that the current protocols often lead to tragedies like Periš’s death.
Moreover, struggles in training and staffing levels amplify the inherent risks associated with the restraint methods used in psychiatric wards. The union has also pointed out that excessive force should never be condoned, insisting that alternatives to physical restraint must be prioritized.
Future Directions for Mental Health Care in Croatia
In light of these events, the family of Kristian Periš demands urgent reform in how mental health care employs restraint and uses force. They advocate for immediate changes in documentation and oversight, including a ban on methods that compromise patient safety.
As Croatia grapples with the implications of this case, it faces critical questions regarding the safety and dignity of individuals within the mental health system. The challenge lies in transforming practices that instill fear and mistrust into a compassionate and safe environment for patients seeking help.
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