Maradona death trial verdict scheduled for 22 December in Argentina
A Buenos Aires court will deliver its verdict on 22 December in the trial of seven healthcare professionals over Diego Maradona's 2020 death. Prosecutors seek up to 12 years for his primary doctor.
Verdict due 22 December in Maradona negligence trial
An Argentine court has set 22 December as the date for its verdict in the trial over the 2020 death of football legend Diego Maradona, philstar.com reports. The announcement came Thursday after six months of hearings involving seven healthcare professionals accused of negligence.
The proceedings concluded with brief closing statements from Maradona's daughter and several defendants. "I hope my father receives the justice he deserves… like anyone else," said Dalma Maradona, her voice breaking.
The primary defendant, Dr Leopoldo Luque — Maradona's personal physician — denied any wrongdoing. "I am innocent," he told the court.
Maradona died on 25 November 2020, aged 60, from heart failure complicated by pulmonary edema. He was found dead in bed at a rented residence in Tigre, north of Buenos Aires, where he had been convalescing after minor neurosurgery. His death sent Argentina into national mourning during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Prosecutors have requested prison terms ranging from four to twelve years for six of the seven accused. The heaviest sentence — twelve years — is sought against Luque.
In closing arguments on Wednesday, Luque's defence attorneys disputed the prosecution's claim that Maradona's death was foreseeable, describing their client as a "scapegoat" in the case.
Source: Jamaica Observer