Woman’s case highlights limits of help in Riga

A woman at the centre of a social media search was not admitted to hospital but taken to a night shelter, from which she left, LSM reports. The case has prompted debate over what authorities can do when someone refuses help.

The woman had been brought to the National Center for Mental Health on Tvaika Street. The centre said people brought in by police or medical staff are not admitted when there are no grounds for inpatient treatment. In this case, staff handed the woman over to police because it was late and there were concerns about her getting home safely, according to Beāte Šternberga, head of the centre’s inpatient services department.

Riga Municipal Police Chief Juris Lūkass said officers took the woman to a night shelter at about 9 p.m. She was found again at a public transport stop in the Ziepniekkalns district shortly before midnight.

Officials said people cannot be forced to stay at a sobering-up facility or night shelter. Riga has set up mobile teams ahead of the cold weather to respond to calls and take people to a safe place. Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs said authorities cannot compel someone to accept help unless they have committed an offence or pose a danger to others. Services urged people not to leave anyone helpless as colder weather approaches.