- Trial begins over Maradona’s 2020 death
- Maradona's doctor and others charged with homicide
- Supporters and family demand accountability
Soccer chants echoed outside the courthouse as Argentine supporters, clad in national team jerseys with the number 10, gathered to honor their fallen idol. They sang Maradona’s name, but this time, their tears were not of joy but of grief.
The trial for the death of Diego Armando Maradona commenced on Tuesday, after several delays and more than four years since his passing. The case aims to determine whether a medical team of seven individuals is responsible for his death, which occurred on November 25, 2020, due to cardiac arrest.
Maradona passed away while undergoing home care in the private neighborhood of San Andrés in Tigre, just 14 days after having surgery for a subdural hematoma. His final public appearance had been at the stadium of Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, the team he was coaching, on his 60th birthday. However, he stayed for only a few minutes, and by the time the match began, he had already left, showing signs of lethargy and difficulty walking. A few days later, he underwent surgery, which raised significant concern about his condition.
Prosecutors argue that there was malpractice during his home care, accusing the medical team of acting recklessly and negligently. Outside the courthouse, supporters, holding flags reading “Justice for D10S,” gathered to mark the first day of a trial expected to last more than three months. Seven individuals stand accused of simple homicide with eventual intent, while an eighth defendant will be tried separately in a jury trial. If convicted, the accused could face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.
The first hearings will include reading the charges against the defendants, followed by opening arguments, expected to last about three days. After that, more than 100 witnesses will testify from a list of 300. The trial is anticipated to continue until July.
Among the accused are neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, Maradona’s personal doctor in his later years, and psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov. Their attorneys have stated that they plead not guilty. Other defendants include Carlos Díaz, a psychoanalyst specializing in addiction treatment, clinical physician Pedro Di Spagna, medical coordinator Nancy Forlini, and Mariano Perroni. The defense for nurse Ricardo Almirón, another defendant, has also pleaded not guilty and requested a trial delay, but the court denied it.
Maradona’s five children—Dalma, Giannina, Jana, Diego, and Diego Fernando—are the plaintiffs in the case. Mario Baudry, attorney for Diego Fernando, expressed confidence in the evidence, stating that it proves Maradona did not receive proper treatment.
As the defendants arrived at the courthouse, some of Maradona’s supporters shouted “murderer,” causing emotional scenes. Sergio, one of the fans present, said, “I have to be here.” He brought a replica of the World Cup trophy and called for justice on his idol’s birthday. Verónica Ojeda, Maradona’s former partner and mother of Diego Fernando, thanked supporters and distributed football jerseys, visibly angry as Cosachov entered the courtroom.
Dalma, Giannina, and Jana Maradona were present but refrained from making public statements. Their lawyer, Fernando Burlando, emphasized that they seek answers through this trial.
As the trial commenced, it resembled the start of an important match. Supporters outside sang the Argentine national anthem, waving flags and holding a World Cup trophy.
Prosecutor Ferrari opened the trial by describing the home hospitalization as “calamitous” and claimed the seven accused failed in their duties. He then displayed a photograph of Maradona’s body, stating, “This is how Maradona died; the state was eloquent.” The trial now begins its long-awaited journey to uncover the truth behind the death of Argentina’s beloved icon.
