Pity Álvarez ordered into 90-day psychiatric hospitalization

Argentine authorities have ordered the mandatory 90-day psychiatric hospitalization of musician Cristian “Pity” Álvarez. The decision by Civil Court No. 4 follows a mental health evaluation indicating he poses a “certain and imminent risk to himself and/or others” due to acute psychotic decompensation and substance dependency.

The order comes amid Álvarez’s ongoing trial for the 2018 homicide of Cristian Maximiliano Díaz. A recent court hearing was suspended after Álvarez suffered a psychiatric crisis at Hospital Tornú, where he had been hospitalized for a hypertensive crisis. During the incident, he attempted to flee the facility while being prepared for a remote testimony via Zoom, prompting intervention by medical and police personnel.

Under the judicial mandate, Álvarez must remain at Hospital Tornú until a transfer to a specialized mental health institution can be arranged through his medical insurance. The court requires hospital directors to provide progress reports every 30 days and has authorized strict security measures, including potential police presence, to prevent him from abandoning treatment. Álvarez has since spoken via telephone to media figures, describing his state of confusion and the mental strain caused by the legal proceedings.