Seven health professionals face charges of intentional homicide

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Maradona's death: trial begins against medical team

The trial for the death of Diego Armando Maradona, which occurred on 25 November 2020, begins on Tuesday in San Isidro, Buenos Aires. Seven health professionals are charged with manslaughter, accused of having acted negligently in the care of the Argentine star in his last days of life.

A key judicial process

The trial will take place at the San Isidro Criminal Court No. 3, starting at 9:00 am (12:00 GMT). The case seeks to determine whether there was a chain of medical responsibility that aggravated Maradona's condition and whether his death could have been prevented.

According to prosecutors Patricio Ferrari, Cosme Iribarren and Laura Capra, the former footballer died ‘in a situation of helplessness’, without receiving adequate medical attention, and argue that the defendants were aware of their malpractice. In private messages, they even expressed phrases such as ‘he is going to die’ or ‘this is wrong’, which reinforces the accusation that they acted with knowledge of the risk.

The defendants and their role in the case

The defendants who will face trial are:

• Leopoldo Luque, neurosurgeon and Maradona's personal physician.
• Agustina Cosachov, psychiatrist.
• Carlos Díaz, psychoanalyst.
• Nancy Forlini, medical coordinator of Swiss Medical.
• Pedro Di Spagna, clinical doctor.
• Mariano Perroni, nurse coordinator.
• Ricardo Almirón, nurse.

In addition, the nurse Dahiana Madrid is accused, but she requested a trial by jury, so her trial will be independent.

Complaints filed

There are five complaints in the trial, filed by Maradona's recognised children and his sisters:

• Dalma and Giannina Maradona, represented by lawyer Fernando Burlando.
• Diego Fernando, son of Veronica Ojeda.
• Diego Junior and Jana Maradona, the last to be recognised.
• Maradona's sisters, who were also admitted in the case.

Causes of Maradona's death

According to the autopsy, Maradona died due to ‘secondary acute pulmonary oedema and exacerbated chronic heart failure’, as well as dilated cardiomyopathy. The investigation is trying to clarify whether his death was caused by medical negligence or whether his condition was irreversible.

This trial is one of Argentina's most media-heavy trials and is eagerly awaited.