The trial concerning seven medical professionals charged with negligence leading to the death of football legend Diego Maradona has resumed after a previous mistrial nearly a year ago. The proceedings were halted when one of the judges withdrew from the case after appearing in a documentary related to it.
Maradona, who is celebrated as one of the greatest footballers, passed away at the age of 60 from cardiac arrest while recovering from surgery for a brain blood clot. The medical professionals facing charges are accused of failing to provide appropriate care during the critical weeks before his death, which occurred in 2020 at his residence near Buenos Aires.
The defendants are charged with culpable homicide, suggesting that they acted recklessly, knowing their actions posed serious risks. If found guilty, they could face prison terms ranging from eight to 25 years. In their defence, attorneys argue that Maradona had numerous pre-existing medical issues and contend that no crime occurred. The football icon had longstanding health complications exacerbated by substance abuse, facing life-threatening conditions in both 2000 and 2004.
Among those on trial are Maradona’s personal physician, Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, and psychologist Carlos Díaz. The trial is expected to last several weeks, with hearings scheduled twice a week and nearly 100 witnesses, including family members and medical experts, set to testify. The judges presiding over the case, Alberto Gaig, Alberto Ortolani, and Pablo Rolón, are anticipated to deliver their verdict around early June.
Fernando Burlando, the attorney for Maradona’s daughters, Dalma and Giannina, expressed confidence in the new panel of judges, saying they have substantial backgrounds and experience. He acknowledged the emotional toll on the sisters, who struggle to find closure regarding their father’s circumstances at the time of his death.
The initial trial faced challenges after Judge Julieta Makintach resigned due to backlash from her involvement in the documentary Divine Justice, which addressed the aftermath of Maradona’s passing. Following his surgery in November 2020 for a subdural hematoma, Maradona was discharged to a home but subsequently succumbed to his health issues. Investigations revealed that Maradona’s medical team was accused of inadequate care, leaving him unattended for more than 12 hours prior to his death.
This trial marks a pivotal moment as it seeks to address the questions surrounding Maradona’s medical care in the final weeks of his life, a case that has drawn immense public and media attention given Maradona’s iconic status.