National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Seven healthcare professionals face the risk of lengthy jail sentences as they stand trial for alleged negligence in the death of football legend Diego Maradona.
The trial, set to begin this week in Buenos Aires, comes nearly four years after Maradona passed away on November 25, 2020, under controversial circumstances.
Maradona, who was 60 at the time of his death, had been recovering from brain surgery for a blood clot. His death was officially attributed to a heart attack.
However, the circumstances surrounding his final days have led to accusations of gross medical negligence.
The seven defendants, including neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, psychologist Carlos Diaz, and several nurses and medical staff, are charged with providing inadequate care that allegedly led to Maradona’s agonizing and avoidable demise.
If convicted, they face jail terms ranging from 8 to 25 years.
The trial is expected to last four months, with over 100 witnesses, including Maradona’s family members and former doctors, slated to testify.
Prosecutors argue that Maradona was effectively abandoned by his medical team, who provided reckless and insufficient care during his recovery period at home.
According to a panel of 20 medical experts appointed by Argentina’s public prosecutor, Maradona’s chances of survival would have been significantly higher had he received proper medical treatment in a hospital.
The night nurse who was caring for him at the time also testified that she noticed warning signs of distress but was instructed not to wake him.
The accused have denied any wrongdoing. The defense for psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, led by lawyer Vadim Mischanchuk, expressed confidence that Cosachov would be acquitted, emphasizing that her role was focused on Maradona’s mental, not physical, health.
Leaked messages and audio recordings, however, have raised further suspicions. Maradona’s family claims the medical team had attempted to prevent the footballer’s daughters from intervening in his care.
Mario Baudry, the lawyer representing Maradona’s son, Dieguito, stated that these messages suggest that the medical professionals were more concerned about their financial interests than Maradona’s well-being.
As the trial unfolds, Maradona’s legacy remains as strong as ever, with murals, statues, and tattoos honoring his memory across Argentina. In addition, a mausoleum dedicated to Maradona is being built in Buenos Aires, set to attract millions of visitors annually.
“We want our father to be close to the love of the people,” said Dalma Maradona, his daughter, in a video presentation of the site.
The trial is set to examine the care—or lack thereof—that Maradona received in his final days, with his family and millions of fans seeking justice for one of football’s greatest icons.
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