The trial of seven healthcare professionals, implicated in the negligent care leading to Diego Maradona’s death, resumed on Tuesday, almost a year after earlier proceedings were halted due to a judge’s resignation following her appearance in a related documentary. The case revolves around allegations that these professionals failed to provide proper medical attention in the weeks preceding Maradona’s passing at age 60 from a cardiac arrest while recuperating from brain surgery.
Maradona, a football icon celebrated as one of the sport’s greatest, died on November 25, 2020, following surgery to address a blood clot. The medical team faces charges of culpable homicide, akin to involuntary manslaughter, suggesting they acted recklessly, despite being aware of the risks. If found guilty, they could receive prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.
Defendants include Leopoldo Luque, Maradona’s personal doctor, and two mental health professionals. The defence contends that Maradona’s multiple serious health issues, many stemming from substance abuse, complicate the assertion that any wrongdoing occurred. He had faced life-threatening health crises previously, in 2000 and 2004.
The hearings will occur twice weekly, with close to 100 witnesses anticipated, including family members and medical personnel. The presiding judges aim to deliver a verdict by early June. Fernando Burlando, attorney for Maradona’s daughters, expressed confidence in the new judicial panel’s capabilities: “They are judges with extensive experience and backgrounds.” He acknowledged the emotional toll on his clients, stating, “It is very difficult.”
Initially, proceedings ended in mistrial due to controversy surrounding one judge’s involvement in a documentary, ‘Divine Justice’, which examined the aftermath of Maradona’s death and the emerging allegations. The judge resigned to maintain the integrity of the trial process.
In the lead-up to his death, Maradona had been admitted to a clinic suffering from dehydration and anemia, and subsequently underwent medical intervention. Following his discharge, he was under supervision at home when his health deteriorated. A 2021 investigation by a medical panel found that Maradona’s care team acted inappropriately, leaving him unattended in critical moments before he died.