Arkaitz Fernández, a Portugalete resident grappling with mental health issues, addiction, and a recognized 49% disability, faces the prospect of sleeping on the streets again. After his case gained media attention in mid-February, he was admitted to the Zamudio Psychiatric Hospital. However, he has now left the facility following a court's decision that his stay, unlike previous arrangements, must be voluntary.
“"How can it be that his stay in the hospital only has to be voluntary, if we are talking about an incapacitated person whose guardianship I hold? Now, on the street, he will commit crimes again, consume drugs, and put himself and others in danger. I am afraid of what he might do. The decision was made quickly, with no time to find resources for him."
The admission to Zamudio Hospital stemmed from a ruling by Family Court number 2 of Barakaldo, which stated that Arkaitz should be admitted to a specialized psychiatric center, identifying Aita Menni in Arrasate as the most suitable. Mertxe, Arkaitz's mother, believes the Zamudio admission was improvised, arguing that Aita Menni would provide the necessary tools for improvement and allow him to commute his 21-month prison sentence for minor offenses.
Despite an initial period of "clear improvement" in Arkaitz's condition during the first weeks of admission, Mertxe soon noticed a deterioration in his behavior, becoming increasingly aggressive. Her investigation uncovered evidence that Arkaitz "had access to drugs during his stay," information she has shared with the hospital. This evidence, including screenshots and audio recordings, is expected to be presented to the Ertzaintza in the coming days.
Arkaitz's situation at Zamudio worsened, leading to an escape on April 4, when he reached Portugalete and was found by Mertxe. During his escape, he sold various items to buy drugs. The Ertzaintza returned him to the hospital, but his condition did not improve. Mertxe suspects he smuggled drugs into the center and continued using them, resulting in violent episodes that required Ertzaintza intervention. The hospital now claims Arkaitz's primary issue is addiction, not psychiatric.
Arkaitz's family maintains that the Aita Menni center in Arrasate is the ideal place for his recovery and to commute his prison sentence, a stance supported by the judicial ruling from Family Court number 2 of Barakaldo. Despite the family's hopes for his admission to Aita Menni, the current reality is that Arkaitz is back on the streets as of this morning, having left Zamudio Hospital.
