Four years after the tragic passing of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, legal proceedings have begun to determine whether medical negligence played a role in his death.
Seven healthcare professionals are set to face trial, accused of failing to provide adequate care during his final days.
The trial, which is expected to last four months, will commence on Tuesday, March 11, in San Isidro, Buenos Aires.
More than 100 witnesses, including Maradona’s family members and longtime doctors, are set to testify.
If convicted, the defendants could face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.
Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, passed away on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60.
He had been recovering from brain surgery for a blood clot when he was found dead in bed at a rented home in an upscale Buenos Aires neighborhood.
His official cause of death was a heart attack.
However, concerns about the medical care he received in his final days have persisted.
A night nurse, who was responsible for his care, previously revealed that he noticed concerning “warning signs” but had “received orders not to wake him up.”
This revelation added fuel to suspicions that Maradona’s medical team failed to act appropriately in response to his deteriorating health.
The individuals standing trial include neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, psychologist Carlos Diaz, medical coordinator Nancy Forlini, nursing coordinator Mariano Perroni, doctor Pedro Pablo Di Spagna, and nurse Ricardo Almiro.
Additionally, another nurse, Gisela Dahiana Madrid, has requested a separate jury trial scheduled for July.
Prosecutors allege that the medical professionals provided “reckless” and “deficient” home treatment, leading to what they described as a “prolonged, agonizing period” before his death.
A panel of 20 medical experts, convened by Argentina’s public prosecutor in 2021, concluded that Maradona
“would have had a better chance of survival” if he had been given proper medical care in a suitable facility.
Meanwhile, the defense argues that the accusations are unfounded.
Psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov’s lawyer, Vadim Mischanchuk, has expressed confidence in his client’s acquittal, stating that she was responsible only for Maradona’s mental health, not his physical condition.
Maradona’s family has been vocal in their demand for justice.
They claim that leaked audio and text messages reveal that his health was in danger before his passing.
Mario Baudry, the lawyer representing Maradona’s son, Dieguito, alleged that these messages show how the medical team deliberately kept Maradona’s daughters from intervening, fearing it would affect their financial interests.
The case has reignited emotions in Argentina, where Maradona remains an icon.
Following his death, the country entered a period of national mourning, with thousands of fans gathering to pay their respects as his body lay in state at the presidential palace.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Maradona’s legacy remains deeply ingrained in Argentina’s culture.
He is immortalized in murals, statues, and exhibitions, while countless fans have his image tattooed on their bodies as a symbol of devotion.
The trial is seen as a critical step in the fight for justice.
As Argentina continues to honor Maradona’s memory, many hope that the proceedings will bring clarity and accountability to the circumstances surrounding his death.
