Aníbal Lotocki refuses to testify as medical malpractice trial begins

The oral trial against surgeon Aníbal Lotocki has commenced in Argentina. During the first day of proceedings, Lotocki refused to testify before the court. He faces charges of simple homicide with eventual intent regarding the 2021 death of patient Rodolfo Christian Zárate following aesthetic surgery in the Caballito neighborhood. Additionally, he is accused of causing extremely serious injuries to five women during procedures performed between 2009 and 2021.

Several other professionals are being tried alongside Lotocki as co-authors of the homicide, including plastic surgeon Daniel Enrique Zambrano García, anesthesiologist Santiago Luis Olguín, surgeon Polansky Peláez Hoyos, pathologist Silvia Mabel Fernández, and clinic director Andrea Isabel Torelli.

Lotocki is currently held in preventive detention at the Ezeiza prison. His partner, María José Favarone, has publicly defended his use of methacrylate, stating it is a product approved by ANMAT. She also reported an attempted kidnapping following a visit to the surgeon at the penal facility.