Verdict in Maradona death trial expected to be announced in August

The trial of seven healthcare workers accused of negligence in the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona is nearing the verdict stage. The trial, held in San Isidro, north of Buenos Aires, is expected to reach a decision in August.

The proceedings, which began on April 14, have been held twice a week. More than 25 sessions have been conducted so far, with testimony taken from approximately 70 witnesses and defendants. The defendants include doctors, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, and nurses.

Maradona passed away on November 25, 2020, at the home where he was receiving treatment following brain surgery. Allegations that the house was inadequate in terms of medical care conditions have been one of the central issues of the case.

TENSE MOMENTS IN HEARINGS

Leopoldo Luque, Maradona’s personal physician and one of the primary defendants, has attended the hearings, presenting audio recordings and scientific articles. During one session, Luque displayed images from Maradona’s autopsy, prompting a reaction from the footballer’s daughter, Giannina Maradona, which led to a recess in the proceedings.

Luque claimed he did not realize Giannina Maradona was in the courtroom before playing the images. However, it was reported that the Maradona family did not find this explanation credible.

The trial process has also seen frequent heated arguments between lawyers. Tensions between Fernando Burlando, the lawyer for Maradona’s daughters, and Francisco Oneto, Luque’s lawyer, spilled over outside the courtroom. It was reported that prosecutors and police intervened to prevent a potential physical altercation.

Presiding Judge Alberto Gaig reportedly expressed his discomfort with the behavior of the parties, stating that it was impossible to work under such conditions.

Among the notable pieces of evidence in the case is a scale model of the house where Maradona died. The model, approximately two meters wide and prepared by students from the University of Belgrano, was brought into the courtroom to examine the layout of the room, the placement of medical equipment, and the conditions for intervention.

This trial regarding Maradona’s death marks the second time the case has been heard. The first trial, which began in 2025, was annulled after it was revealed that one of the judges on the panel had participated in a documentary about the case without the knowledge of the parties involved.

News Source: 12punto