Aníbal Lotocki testifies in trial over death at CEMECO

Aníbal Lotocki is testifying in a criminal trial regarding the April 2021 death of Cristian Zárate, a 50-year-old patient who died following a liposuction and dermolipectomy at the Centro Médico Conde (CEMECO) in Buenos Aires. Lotocki faces charges of simple homicide with eventual intent.

Testimony from Ministry of Health inspectors revealed significant irregularities at the facility. Investigators stated that CEMECO was not authorized for inpatient stays or major surgeries, as its original permit only allowed for outpatient procedures. Inspectors also reported finding expired medications, undocumented fentanyl and propofol, and propofol stored in a refrigerator alongside food.

In addition to Lotocki, the trial involves three other doctors and the medical center's director, Andrea Isabel Torelli. The defense requested Lotocki's testimony to provide his version of the events surrounding the surgery and the patient's subsequent complications.