Seven healthcare professionals who treated Diego Maradona are now on trial for homicide in Buenos Aires. This trial comes after the football icon died from a heart attack in November 2020 while recovering from brain surgery at his home.
Maradona, a legendary player known for his remarkable skills, had a long history of health issues, including obesity, alcoholism, and drug addiction. Prosecutors argue that his death could have been prevented if his medical team had acted properly. The case highlights serious allegations of negligence against the doctors and nurses involved in his care.
Among the accused are Maradona’s brain surgeon, Leopoldo Luque, and psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, who managed his medications. Other defendants include addiction specialist Carlos Diaz and several nurses. They all deny any wrongdoing but face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
The trial is taking place in San Isidro, a suburb of Buenos Aires. A three-judge panel will hear evidence, including over 120,000 messages and audio recordings related to Maradona’s treatment. The prosecution claims the medical team acted in a way that was "inappropriate, deficient, and reckless." They argue that Maradona was released from the hospital too soon and that his condition was not monitored properly.
A report from a medical board concluded that the team failed to conduct necessary heart tests in the weeks leading up to his death. This has raised questions about the quality of care he received during a critical time.
One of the nurses, Gisela Dahiana Madrid, has opted for a separate trial by jury. The defense has also commissioned its own forensic study, claiming that Maradona’s death was sudden and without suffering.
As the trial progresses, it is expected to last until July, with multiple hearings each week. The outcome could have significant implications for medical accountability in Argentina, especially in high-profile cases like Maradona’s.