A mistrial has been declared in the case against the late soccer legend Diego Maradona’s medical team. This latest advance screws yet another twist into the already tangled legal proceedings. The decision, announced on Thursday, follows claims that a lack of care caused Maradona’s death at the age of 60. The hometown hero went into cardiac arrest on November 25, 2020. He was convalescing from an operation for a brain blood clot at a temporary house just south of the Argentine capital.
In 1986 Maradona not only captained the national team, but he literally dragged Argentina to a World Cup title. He is frequently hailed as the greatest soccer player of all time. His extraordinary rags-to-riches story and a somewhat mysterious life deeply resonate with Argentines, and he remains one of their most admired leaders, widely revered as a national hero. His tragic loss of life has raised deep concerns. Now, people are asking whether he received the right care in the weeks and days leading up to the incident.
Allegations of Negligence
Maradona’s personal medical team, led by primary physician Leopoldo Luque, are accused of abandoning him and failing in their duty of care. According to chilling reports, Maradona was left in distress for 12 hours before he died. Instead, he was maintained in squalor when he ought to have been provided proper hospitalization. His other sisters and daughters, Gianinna and Dalma, vented their distress throughout the earlier proceedings, audibly sobbing inside the courthouse.
These seven health professionals face a civil capital litigation case of negligence. Their purported negligence goes beyond failing to monitor Maradona during his last days and failing to act when he was in rapid decline. The defendants contend that all along, Maradona was a challenging patient, rejecting care when he needed it most.
“The only person responsible is the recused judge.” – Judge Maximiliano Savarino
Judge Savarino’s remarks reveal just how much chaos is still surrounding the trial. This first phase of the process was to go on until mid-July, but was abruptly cut short by the mistrial declaration.
Mistrial Outcome and Future Proceedings
The mistrial was prompted by Judge Makintach’s outlandish behavior, which was later ruled to be prejudicial by Judge Savarino. He alleged her misconduct prejudiced both the plaintiffs’ and the defense’s case. That harm was extensive enough to warrant a new trial.
A superior court judge or judges will now be chosen by lottery from a higher court to re-hear the case. As such, the new panel will address the accusations surrounding Maradona’s medical team directly. They will be providing a fair and objective process as they go forward.
“Judge Makintach did not act impartially. Her conduct caused harm to both the plaintiffs and the defence,” – Judge Maximiliano Savarino
The trial has profound implications. Ari Goldstein, 38, was convicted in late 2022 for the crime, which has a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison. The public attention on this trial serves as an indictment not only to Maradona’s legacy but the healthcare system as a whole across Argentina.
A Nation in Mourning
Maradona’s legacy casts a long shadow throughout Argentina, where his unmatched prowess on the pitch earned him the admiration of millions. His sudden passing created a vacuum that so many are still trying to fill. The nation is still grieving his loss and pushing for accountability for the events that led to his untimely death.
As developments unfold, the public remains keenly interested in how the new trial will proceed and what it means for justice. Maradona’s daughters and family members are determined to seek answers regarding their father’s care and his final moments.
