Maradona death trial continues with testimony on alleged manipulation

The trial investigating the responsibilities surrounding the death of football legend Diego Armando Maradona is set to resume, focusing on further testimonies from therapeutic companions. This follows a recent hearing where a witness alleged that Maradona's close associates exerted significant control over his life.

Carlos Cottaro, who assisted Maradona during his recovery at a residence outside Buenos Aires, testified that the former footballer's phone was managed by his inner circle, restricting incoming calls and dictating whether his daughters could visit. Cottaro also noted a lack of coordination among the various professionals involved in Maradona's care, suggesting a fragmented approach to his treatment.

Scheduled to testify are Carlos Bacchini and Alejandro Cottaro, two other therapeutic companions who worked with Maradona before his passing on November 25, 2020. Their accounts are expected to shed further light on the circumstances leading up to the football icon's death.

Among the accused are psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov and clinician Pedro Di Spagna. Cosachov previously stated she never requested therapeutic companions, claiming they became unhelpful over time. Di Spagna, an interconsultant, testified that requested studies were never performed and that his visits were sometimes suspended by the team managing Maradona's care. Also facing charges of simple homicide with eventual intent are Maradona's personal doctor Leopoldo Luque, psychologist Carlos Díaz, nurse Ricardo Almirón, and nursing coordinator Mariano Perroni, among others.