Argentina court hears testimony in Diego Maradona death negligence case

The criminal trial over the 2020 death of football legend Diego Maradona continues in the San Isidro court in Argentina. Seven members of the medical team that cared for Maradona at his home face charges of criminal negligence that could carry up to 25 years in prison. Caregivers testified that Maradona was in a severely ill state and that the home was inadequately equipped for his treatment. Carlos Cótaro, a former caretaker, claimed the staff "controlled his communications" and even decided whether his daughters could visit him. He also said he was dismissed weeks before Maradona died.

Dalma Maradona, the star’s eldest daughter, gave an emotional testimony accusing neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachova and psychologist Carlos Díaz of failing to provide promised 24‑hour monitoring, equipment and ambulance availability. She said the family’s request for an ambulance was denied: "No one took control of the situation," she said. The prosecution argues the conditions of the home care did not match Maradona’s medical needs, while the defense maintains his death resulted from pre‑existing serious conditions. The trial has now completed the testimony phase and awaits a verdict.