What Happened to Kristian Periš Inside Zagreb’s Psychiatric Clinic?

What Happened to Kristian Periš Inside Zagreb’s Psychiatric Clinic?
Kristian Josip Periš, 32, died on Oct. 21 at Zagreb’s Sveti Ivan psychiatric clinic while physically restrained. Four medical technicians were later detained on suspicion of aggravated murder, and investigators are examining what happened during the intervention and whether staff actions contributed to his death.

According to statements reported during the investigation, Periš resisted, shouted, spat and tried to bite staff. Employees said a team attempted to restrain him under procedures requiring several technicians to control his limbs. But one nurse reportedly said colleagues struck Periš and pressed a pillow over his head. “After that, the patient collapsed,” she told investigators.

The case widened after a health inspection found that treatment had not followed prescribed protocols and that records contained irregularities. Clinic director Majda Grah resigned after it emerged that she learned of the death that night but surveillance footage was not reviewed until Nov. 4. Police received the recording two days later. Inspectors also cited insufficient staff training and said responsibility within the management and governing board would be examined.

Independent criticism has focused on the medical safeguards surrounding restraint, sedation and resuscitation. Physician Pero Zanchi questioned whether there was adequate monitoring, equipment and medical supervision, while stressing that his allegations required verification through official evidence and expert findings. He also called for dedicated crisis rooms, continuous monitoring and trained staff during high-risk interventions.

The incident has also prompted broader political questions about staffing and mortality at the clinic, although figures cited in Zagreb’s city assembly included patients who died naturally or were receiving palliative care. Prosecutors are separately investigating how surveillance footage reached social media, where it appeared on Facebook profiles and groups. Unauthorized disclosure of investigative material can carry a prison sentence of up to three years under Croatian law.