Patient’s Death Exposes Alleged Violence and Deep Failures at Zagreb Psychiatric Clinic

Patient’s Death Exposes Alleged Violence and Deep Failures at Zagreb Psychiatric Clinic
Kristijan Josip Periš, a 32-year-old former athlete and coach, died on October 21 at Zagreb’s Sveti Ivan psychiatric clinic after being admitted for an urgent psychiatric assessment. Investigators allege that four medical technicians used excessive force while restraining him, including striking him, pressing on his neck and covering his face with a pillow. All four were placed in pre-trial detention on suspicion of aggravated murder; their guilt has not been established.

The case changed after hospital director Majda Grah reviewed surveillance footage on November 4 and reported what she described as improper, unethical and violent treatment. A preliminary autopsy recorded multiple injuries, including broken ribs and sternum, as well as swelling of the lungs and brain. Further forensic and toxicological examinations were announced because the immediate cause of death remained unresolved.

Health Minister Irena Hrstić later said a preliminary inspection had identified failures in the specific case, while broader oversight of the hospital continued. She said responsibility should be examined across the institution’s hierarchy, but cautioned that the incident should not be treated as representative of Croatia’s entire psychiatric system, which she said operates under established protocols.

The clinic’s leadership then resigned. Board president Mirando Mrsić and other Zagreb-appointed board members submitted irrevocable resignations, following Grah, her deputy and the nursing coordinator. Mrsić said he had delayed stepping down to avoid leaving the hospital without leadership.

Patient advocates rejected the idea of an isolated failure. Jasna Karačić of the Association for the Promotion of Patients’ Rights called the death a sign of the “complete collapse” of the health system and demanded further resignations, including Hrstić’s. Former patients told Index of alleged degrading restraint practices and ignored pleas for help, although others described professional and even life-saving care at the clinic.

Public anger has also spread beyond advocacy groups. Actress Zrinka Cvitešić described the case as a symbol of institutional impunity and backed a planned silent gathering for Periš and his family. The four suspects were later moved from Remetinec prison for security reasons as the investigation continued.