Musician Marko Kutlić took to Instagram to comment on the death of Kristian Josip Periš, who was 32 years old. Kutlić stated that he had been unable to sleep all night and that he would not allow Kristian's story to fade into oblivion, despite never having met him personally.
"I don't know when I last cried so much from the soul," Kutlić wrote, adding: "I couldn't close my eyes and I have been trying to calm myself all day." He also referred to the CCTV footage showing the circumstances of Kristian's death, highlighting that the scenes he witnessed had left a deep mark on him.
In the post, he addressed the deceased directly: "Kristian, I know almost nothing about you. But I know you did not deserve to die like this. No one does. And least of all a man who came seeking help." He also called for societal accountability: "Society, will we continue to remain silent? Will we forget this man too as soon as some new news breaks? I will not."
Kutlić promised to do everything in his power to ensure Kristian's story is not forgotten. "Dear Kristian, I did not know you, but I will make an effort and give it my all so that you are not forgotten," he said. He also expressed hope that Kristian's death would trigger changes that could prevent similar tragedies in the future.
"I cannot find anything noble in the way you left. But I want to believe that your life and your departure will not be in vain. That something will change. That because of you, someone else will be seen, protected, perhaps saved," Kutlić stated.
Kristian had once spoken the words: "If you can, you must for those who cannot," and he had dedicated part of his life to working with people with disabilities. Kutlić dedicated the song "Samo je ljubav tajna dvaju svjetova" (Only love is the secret of two worlds) to Kristian, a song Kristian had once sung himself. "I listen to it completely differently today," Kutlić said.
Meanwhile, four medical technicians are under investigation on suspicion of applying excessive physical force during their handling of Periš, which is contrary to medical professional rules. According to information from the investigation reported by the media, the patient was restrained with a safety belt, and several healthcare workers were present in the room. According to descriptions of the footage, a doctor and a nurse were also in the room, while the doctors who were present currently have the status of witnesses, not suspects.
The preliminary autopsy findings revealed numerous injuries, including fractures of the ribs and breastbone, as well as oedema of the lungs and brain. The final cause of death is still being determined.
