Mobilization in Croatia following the death of a psychiatric patient

Hundreds of people gathered in central Zagreb on Saturday to pay tribute to Kristian Josip Peris, a 32-year-old psychiatric patient who died after allegedly being subjected to a violent intervention at a psychiatric hospital. The protest was organized by students, and participants observed eight minutes of silence in memory of the victim.

Four orderlies at the medical facility were arrested the previous weekend on suspicion of aggravated murder. Prosecutors allege that they used excessive force, violating medical standards, while attempting to restrain the patient, who had been admitted in a psychotic state.

A recording lasting approximately eight minutes, captured by surveillance cameras and published online, sparked nationwide outrage. The footage shows hospital employees holding Peris tied to a bed, striking him in the chest and pressing down on his body. At one point in the recording, a pillow is held over the patient’s face. Other employees, including a doctor, were also present at the scene.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic described the case as a “crime,” and the incident has reignited debate over the protection and treatment of patients with mental disorders. An inspection by the Ministry of Health, which identified “irregularities,” is ongoing. The hospital director and board of directors have resigned. The victim’s family announced a new memorial gathering for November 21.