Retrial Opens for Maradona Death Case
A retrial concerning the death of football icon Diego Maradona commenced on Tuesday, following the collapse of the initial trial a year ago due to a mistrial.
Seven members of Maradona's medical team face charges of negligent homicide after the footballer died from a heart attack at age 60. All accused have denied the charges. If found guilty, they could face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.
The original trial ended abruptly last May when one of the three judges resigned amid allegations of unauthorized filming in the courtroom for a documentary.
Details of Maradona's Death and Investigation
Maradona passed away in 2020 at his residence in Tigre, Buenos Aires province, while recovering from surgery to remove a brain blood clot.
Authorities classified the case as culpable homicide, akin to involuntary manslaughter, citing that the accused were aware of the severity of Maradona's health but failed to take necessary actions to save him.
The preliminary autopsy revealed that heart failure led to acute pulmonary oedema, a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs.
A medical expert panel, commissioned by prosecutors to examine Maradona's care, described the treatment he received at home as "deficient and reckless." They concluded that with proper care in a suitable medical facility, the footballer "would have had a better chance of survival."
Medical Team on Trial
The seven individuals on trial include Leopoldo Luque, Maradona's primary medical adviser, and his psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov. His former nurse, Dahiana Gisela Madrid, will face a separate trial.
Approximately 100 witnesses, including Maradona's daughters, are expected to testify before a new panel of judges at a court in San Isidro. The proceedings are anticipated to continue until July.
National Mourning and Legacy
Following Maradona's death on 25 November 2020, then-President of Argentina Alberto Fernandez declared three days of national mourning.
"Thank you for having existed, Diego. We're going to miss you all our lives," he said.
Maradona's Football Career
Maradona began his professional career with Argentinos Juniors. He represented Argentina in four World Cups, scoring a total of 34 goals, including the famous "Hand of God" goal against England in 1986.
During the latter part of his career, he struggled with cocaine addiction and was suspended for 15 months after testing positive for the drug in 1991.
He retired from professional football in 1997 on his 37th birthday during his second tenure with Argentine club Boca Juniors.
Coaching Career
Maradona was appointed head coach of the Argentina national team in 2008 and remained in the role until after the 2010 World Cup, where Argentina was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Germany.
He later managed teams in the United Arab Emirates and Mexico. At the time of his death, he was coaching the Argentine club Gimnasia y Esgrima.
