The trial investigating the death of former player Diego Maradona, which occurred in 2020, began on Argentina and could result in sentences of 8 to 25 years in prison for seven health professionals involved in the case. Eles are accused of negligence which, according to the accusation, led to the death of the idol. The commotion over the star’s death was intense in the country, and the legal process seeks to clarify responsibilities. An initial process was annulled after a judge resigned from her position for violating the rules, but the new phase is underway in the city of San Isidro, province of Buenos Aires.
Manslaughter charge and the process
Diego Maradona passed away at the age of 60, in November 2020, due to a heart attack. The central charge is manslaughter, characterized by the absence of intent to kill, but with death resulting from professional negligence. The investigation highlighted significant flaws in the care provided to the former player at his home, where he was recovering from brain surgery.
The evidence compiled during the investigation phase suggests that the professionals did not act with the necessary zeal, disregarding medical protocols and the seriousness of Maradona’s health condition. Justiça Argentina determined that there are enough elements to take the case to a jury, seeking a verdict on the actions of those involved. The annulment of the first trial attempt caused delays, but the new process aims to ensure the complete investigation of the facts and the definition of responsibilities under the law.
Seven professionals under scrutiny
The list of defendants includes doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists and nurses, all with different levels of involvement in Maradona’s care. Promotoria understands that the joint and omissive actions of these professionals created a scenario of vulnerability that culminated in the tragic outcome. The expectation is that each defendant will present their version of the facts, while the prosecution seeks to prove the correlation between negligence and the former athlete’s death.
The health professionals being tried are:
- Pedro Pablo Di Spagna (clinical doctor)
- Agustina Cosachov (psychiatrist)
- Nancy Edith Forlini (coordinating doctor)
- Ricardo Almiron (nurse)
- Mariano Ariel Perroni (head nurse)
- Carlos Angel Diaz (psychologist)
- Leopoldo Luque (neurosurgeon)
Details of the evidence and testimonies
The court will hear from more than 100 witnesses throughout the trial, including members of Maradona’s family, highlighting the complexity and scope of the case. The star’s daughter, Jana Maradona, expressed her desire for the trial to be concluded and the truth to come to light. The testimonies are crucial to put together the panorama of the idol’s last days of life and to corroborate the allegations of negligence.
The accusation points to the neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, the psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov and the psychologist Carlos Angel Diaz as the professionals with the most direct contact and, therefore, with the greatest capacity to intervene in the situation. Segundo the line of argument, the lack of adequate measures on their part would have been decisive for the death, which could have been avoided. The judicial process will detail the conduct and omissions of each person.
Expectation for the final sentence
The trial procedures are expected to last until the first week of June, during which the phases of presenting evidence and the final arguments of the defense and prosecution will be completed. The sentence, awaited with great expectation, not only by the family of Maradona, but by all of Argentina and football fans around the world, should be announced after this stage. The repercussion of the case is global, given the stature of the former player.
The outcome of the case would establish an important precedent regarding medical liability in highly complex and visible cases. Justiça seeks to determine the degree of guilt of each professional and apply the appropriate sanctions, varying according to the court’s understanding of the level of negligence and its direct impact on the cause of Maradona’s death.
