Death of 32-Year-Old Patient at Zagreb Psychiatric Hospital Sparks Political Outcry

Kristian Josip Periša, a 32-year-old kinesiologist and athlete, died less than a month ago after alleged brutal treatment by medical technicians at the Sveti Ivan Psychiatric Hospital in Jankomir, Zagreb. His family lawyer Leon Zrinić stated that Periša was neither aggressive nor an addict, adding that the health facility told the family it had no evidence he was under the influence of narcotics.

Four medical technicians remain in custody since Sunday, and three of them have been dismissed from their jobs. They have not yet presented their defense, and some have requested medical assistance because they are in a state of shock.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said the footage looks very bad and described the incident as the murder of a young man at the Sveti Ivan Hospital in Jankomir. Health Minister Irena Hrstić called the situation and the conduct unacceptable but said all circumstances must be examined.

The Health Ministry requested an urgent and comprehensive report from the City of Zagreb, the founder of the hospital, regarding all circumstances of the patient's death, the management's actions, the timeliness of reporting, and supervision of the institution. The ministry also expressed deep condolences to the family and questioned why it was not informed in a timely manner.

MP Sandra Benčić said she was shocked by the scenes and that the hospital director immediately requested statements from employees involved in the event. She added that the city office and the Health Ministry received the report at the end of last week, and that responsibility lies with those who exceeded the permitted method of restraining the patient.

The case will be decided by the court, which is expected to issue a final ruling on how the death of the kinesiologist occurred. The family insists on establishing responsibility, with hospital surveillance footage seen as key evidence.