The trial of seven medical professionals charged with the culpable homicide of football legend Diego Maradona has begun in a court outside Buenos Aires, with the prosecution labeling his death as “murder.”
Maradona, who died in November 2020 at the age of 60, had undergone brain surgery to remove a blood clot just two weeks before his passing. Prosecutors argue that allowing him to leave the hospital so soon led to his sudden death and have accused the medical team of gross negligence.
The trial has provoked strong emotions in Argentina, where Maradona remains a national icon. Outside the court in San Isidro, crowds gathered to hurl insults at the defendants as they arrived for the hearing.
Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari described Maradona’s medical care as “calamitous,” accusing his doctors and caregivers of acting as a “group of improvisers.” Fernando Burlando, a lawyer representing Maradona’s family, went further, alleging that the footballer was murdered by a team of professionals who were incentivized to let him die.
Among the seven accused is Maradona’s neurosurgeon, Leopoldo Luque, who performed the brain surgery and approved his home discharge. Also on trial is his psychiatrist, Agustina Cosachov, who prescribed medications found in his system. If convicted, the defendants could face up to 25 years in prison. A nurse who discovered Maradona’s body has requested a separate trial by jury.
A 2021 medical board review found that Maradona’s care was “inappropriate, deficient, and reckless.” Prosecutors argue that his home hospitalization was mismanaged and that he was not adequately monitored, despite signs of deteriorating health.
Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, led Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986. His sudden death shocked the football world, prompting national mourning in Argentina. More than 100 witnesses, including Maradona’s daughters, are expected to testify during the trial, which is anticipated to last until July.
