In Russia, there are many reports of people being deprived of their legal capacity without being present in court. Observers note that the victims are often elderly individuals who own homes.
A typical scenario involves an older woman, perhaps in her 60s or 70s, who becomes entangled in a neighborly dispute. The conflict might be completely unfounded, such as a disagreement over where garbage is left. A psychiatric ambulance arrives, and she is taken away with a string of excuses like, “Let’s get in the car, let’s check her blood pressure,” followed by interventions that culminate in hospitalization. The person does not consent to this hospitalization.
Later, a court is convened to determine the grandmother’s legal capacity, yet she is unaware of this process. In hospital settings, psychiatrists may immediately begin administering psychotropic medications. A document is then filed with the court stating that the patient cannot attend the hearing due to medical reasons, is not aware of herself, and cannot be responsible for her actions. The justification often centers on perceived incapacity rather than any clear consent or ongoing evaluation.
As the treatment continues, the patient is kept in a psychiatric facility while family or community members may be contacted. When the person has no nearby support, neighbors may report missing persons, only to discover that the individual is already detained in a mental institution. The default outcome may be a transfer to a long term care facility and a loss of control over the person’s apartment or property, which could pass to relatives, the municipality, or a state institution due to guardianship arrangements. These cases, tragically, occur in substantial numbers.
The discussion has raised questions about how guardianships and psychiatric detentions are pursued, and what safeguards exist to protect the rights of the elderly and other vulnerable residents. Advocates emphasize the need for transparent procedures, meaningful involvement of family members, and robust oversight to prevent abuse of guardianship and involuntary treatment.
Further details on how guardianship practices are handled, how people in Russia might be placed in psychiatric care without clear avenues for return, and proposals by officials to improve reporting and oversight are explored in reports by socialbites.ca.
Earlier statements from the Civil Commission on Human Rights highlighted concerns about cases where Russians are deprived of legal capacity without proper legal process. (Source: socialbites.ca)