A fresh trial concerning the death of football icon Diego Maradona commenced on Tuesday in Argentina, ten months after the original proceedings collapsed due to a judicial scandal.
Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, passed away in November 2020 at the age of 60 while recuperating from surgery to remove a brain clot.
His seven-member medical team stands accused of gross negligence leading to his death, particularly in relation to the conditions of his home-based recovery.
According to forensic specialists, he died from heart failure and acute pulmonary oedema — a condition involving fluid build-up in the lungs — two weeks after surgery, having endured prolonged suffering.
The initial trial last year, which featured several hours of at times emotional testimony from witnesses, including Maradona’s children, was disrupted two months in due to allegations involving one of the presiding judges.
The judge, Julieta Makintach, was found to have participated in a covert documentary about the case that included unauthorised courtroom recordings.
As a result of the controversy, the trial was declared void.
The retrial, expected to hear testimony from approximately 120 witnesses, will once again examine whether the medical team bears responsibility for Maradona’s death.
Maradona’s daughters — Dalma Maradona, Gianinna Maradona, and Jana Maradona — along with his former partner Veronica Ojeda, attended the opening session at the packed courtroom in San Isidro, a suburb north of Buenos Aires.
Defence counsel Francisco Oneto requested that the entire trial be televised live, rather than limiting coverage to the opening day and the delivery of the verdict.
The accused — comprising doctors, psychologists and nurses — face charges of homicide with possible intent, meaning they allegedly pursued actions despite awareness of the potential fatal consequences. If convicted, they could receive prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.
The defence argues that the Argentine legend, who struggled with cocaine and alcohol addiction, died from natural causes.
“If there’s one thing that has been ruled out, it’s a malicious criminal plan to kill Maradona,” said Vadim Mischanchuk, legal representative for psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, in an interview with Radio Con Vos over the weekend.
The proceedings are expected to continue until at least July.
Maradona’s death, coming during the Covid-19 pandemic, plunged Argentina into national mourning. Tens of thousands queued to