Court Trial for Maradona's Death Postponed to October
The court overseeing the trial of eight health professionals, potentially linked to the death of Diego Maradona, has decided to postpone the hearings to October 1, 2023. Originally scheduled for June 4, the delay allows for additional legal and procedural issues to be resolved. The ruling was influenced by appeals from the defendants and the plaintiffs' legal teams, highlighting the technical nature of the case.
The defendants, including a neurosurgeon, psychiatrist, psychologist, and nurses, face charges of 'homicide with dolus eventualis,' which indicates negligence with awareness of possible fatal outcomes. If found guilty, they could face sentences ranging from 8 to 25 years in prison.
Maradona, the legendary Argentine footballer, passed away on November 25, 2020, due to a cardiorespiratory crisis while recovering from neurosurgery at his Tigre residence. Following his discharge from the Olivos Clinic, he was under home confinement, purportedly receiving professional medical supervision, which his family and prosecutors claim was insufficient and negligent.
The court also temporarily denied the request to transfer Maradona's remains from a private cemetery in Bella Vista to a planned mausoleum in Puerto Madero. This decision is pending resolution of possible measures required within the trial context. Maradona’s daughters, Dalma and Giannina, alongside ex-partner Veronica Ojeda, have been advocating for the transfer to honor Maradona's memory.
More than 200 witnesses are expected to participate in the trial, including Maradona's family members and close associates. The hearings are to be documented through recordings as permitted by the court, ensuring transparency and thorough documentation of the proceedings.
- The trial's postponement was requested by the attorneys representing Maradona's daughters, following the technical complexity of the arguments and appeals raised by the defense. One nurse had initially requested a separate trial by a popular jury, a motion that was rejected by the court.
- The judges reaffirmed the charges of intentional homicide based on 'dolus eventualis,' reflecting on the health professionals' potential knowledge and disregard of the life-threatening risks inherent in Maradona’s situation. This form of culpability indicates a severe level of alleged professional misconduct.
- The unresolved procedural issues and additional appeals from defense lawyers underscore the significant legal and medical evaluations that need careful review before proceeding with the trial.
