Retrial Commences Over Diego Maradona's Death

Maradona Death Retrial Underway

A retrial concerning the death of football icon Diego Maradona commenced on Tuesday, a year after the initial proceedings collapsed in a mistrial. Seven individuals from his medical team are accused of negligent homicide, charges they vehemently deny. If found guilty, they could face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.

Maradona died in November 2020 at his Tigre residence in Buenos Aires province, aged 60, while recovering from surgery to remove a brain blood clot. Investigators have classified the case as culpable homicide, asserting that the accused were fully aware of Maradona's critical health condition but failed to implement necessary life-saving measures.

A preliminary autopsy confirmed that heart failure led to acute pulmonary oedema. A panel of medical experts, commissioned by prosecutors, concluded that the home treatment Maradona received was "deficient and reckless", suggesting he would have had a significantly better chance of survival with adequate treatment in an appropriate medical facility.

Those on trial include his primary medical adviser, Leopoldo Luque, and his psychiatrist, Agustina Cosachov. Approximately 100 witnesses, including Maradona's daughters, are expected to testify before a new panel of judges in San Isidro. The trial is anticipated to conclude by July.