The long-awaited trial of the medical team that cared for Argentine football legend Diego Maradona has begun in Buenos Aires.
Maradona passed away from a heart attack at his home in 2020 at the age of 60. He had been recovering from brain surgery to remove a blood clot earlier that month.
Prosecutors argue that his death could have been prevented and accuse the medical staff of negligence. However, the defense claims Maradona refused further treatment and should have remained in the hospital longer after his surgery.
If found guilty of “homicide with possible intent,” the accused could face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.
In an opening statement, the prosecution said it intended to submit “solid” evidence that no member of the team “did what they were supposed to do” in the “horror theatre” that was Maradona’s death bed.
“Today, Diego Armando Maradona, his children, his relatives, those closest to him, and the Argentine people, deserve justice,” prosecutor Patricio Ferrari told the court.
Investigators have labeled the case as culpable homicide, which is similar to involuntary manslaughter. They believe the accused knew Maradona’s health was critical but failed to take the necessary steps to save his life.
Those facing trial include a neurosurgeon, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a medical coordinator, a nursing coordinator, a doctor, and the night nurse who cared for him.
The night nurse previously said he had seen “warning signs”, but had received orders “not to wake” Maradona.
More than 100 witnesses will testify at the trial, which is expected to last until July.
Diego Maradona is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history. He led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup and became famous for his controversial “Hand of God” goal against England in the quarter-finals.
Later in his career, Maradona battled cocaine addiction, which led to a 15-month suspension after testing positive for the drug in 1991.
His death deeply saddened the football world and his home country, Argentina. Thousands of fans lined up for hours to pay their respects as his body lay in state at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires.