Trial resumes for seven medical professionals in Diego Maradona's death case

Buenos Aires. The trial against seven medical professionals and healthcare workers regarding the death of football legend Diego Maradona has resumed in Argentina. The case, which was postponed a year ago due to technical reasons, began being heard by a new panel of judges at the San Isidro court on Tuesday. 

Members of Maradona's medical team are facing charges of 'negligent homicide' for alleged negligence in the treatment of the football icon, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 60 due to a heart attack. If convicted, they could face prison sentences ranging from 8 to 25 years.

Maradona died while recovering at home following brain surgery. Investigators have accused the defendants of failing to take necessary steps to save his life despite being aware that his health condition was critical. 

A panel of medical experts concluded that the treatment Maradona received at home was incomplete and negligent, stating that he would have had a higher chance of survival had he been treated in an appropriate hospital. The preliminary post-mortem report indicated that his heart stopped due to pulmonary edema.

Among those facing trial are seven individuals, including Maradona's primary medical advisor Leopoldo Luque and psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, while a nurse will face a separate hearing. The trial, expected to last until July, will feature testimonies from approximately 100 witnesses, including Maradona's daughters. The initial hearing was canceled last May after a judge resigned for allowing unauthorized filming inside the courtroom for a documentary.

Argentina observed three days of national mourning following Maradona's death. Having started his career at Argentinos Juniors, he played a pivotal role in leading Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup, which included his famous 'Hand of God' goal against England. 

After facing drug addiction and bans later in his career, he retired from professional football in 1997. Following his retirement as a player, he managed various clubs and the Argentine national team.