A high-profile case reopens as questions over medical negligence return to court.
A new trial into the death of football icon Diego Maradona has begun in Argentina, nearly a year after the original proceedings were annulled due to a judicial scandal.
Maradona died in November 2020 at the age of 60 while recovering from brain surgery. Prosecutors allege that his seven-member medical team failed to provide adequate care during his home recovery, leading to heart failure and acute pulmonary edema.
The case centers on claims of “homicide with possible intent,” meaning the accused may have knowingly taken actions that risked his life. If convicted, the doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals involved could face prison sentences of up to 25 years.
The initial trial collapsed after it emerged that Judge Julieta Makintach had participated in a secret documentary featuring unauthorized courtroom recordings. The scandal forced the court to nullify the proceedings and order a fresh trial.
The new hearings are expected to include testimony from around 120 witnesses. Maradona’s daughters and former partner were present in court as the case reopened, highlighting the emotional weight of the proceedings.
Defense lawyers argue that Maradona’s death was due to natural causes, pointing to his long history of health issues, including struggles with substance abuse.
Maradona remains one of football’s greatest figures, revered for leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986.
As the trial unfolds, the court will seek to determine whether medical negligence played a role in his final days.