New trial begins in Argentina over Diego Maradona's death
A new trial over the death of Diego Maradona has begun in Argentina, Reuters reports.
Seven members of his medical team have been charged with negligent homicide. This comes nearly a year after the previous case was dismissed due to a failed trial. Maradona passed away on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60 from a heart attack while recovering from brain surgery.
The court will hear testimony from nearly 100 witnesses. The trial focuses on the alleged negligence of the medical team, which may have contributed to the death of the 1986 World Cup champion. The medical team denies any wrongdoing.
The first trial was terminated two months after it began in March of the previous year due to the resignation of one of the judges. During the initial trial, various pieces of evidence were presented, including photographs and video recordings. Testimonies were provided by Maradona's children and his ex-wife, Claudia Villafañe.
Prosecutors argued that the medical staff violated treatment protocols, and the home where Maradona was rehabilitating was a "theater of horror" lacking necessary care. The defense maintained that his death was inevitable due to long-standing health issues. The negligence charges emerged in 2021 after a medical commission was appointed to investigate his death. The commission concluded that the medical team acted in an "inappropriate, incompetent, and reckless manner." If found guilty, the defendants face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.
