Maradona's Ex-Doctor Pleads Not Guilty in Death Trial

In the reopened trial concerning the death of football icon Diego Maradona, his former neurosurgeon and personal doctor, Leopoldo Luque, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. Luque stands as one of seven key defendants accused of gross negligence in the medical care provided to the legendary player, who passed away in November 2020 at the age of 60.

Luque, addressing the court, stated his profound regret over Maradona's death while firmly maintaining his innocence. The prosecution alleges that the entire medical team, including doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses, failed in their duty of care. This negligence, they contend, contributed to Maradona's demise following a brain surgery.

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I want to say that I am innocent, and that I deeply regret his death.

However, the defense team, including Luque's representatives, is pushing for an acquittal, arguing that Maradona succumbed to natural causes. They point to his long-standing battles with alcohol and cocaine addiction, suggesting that a pre-existing condition of chronic heart failure, worsened by toxic substances, was the ultimate cause of death, as indicated by autopsy reports. This trial, expected to involve around 120 witnesses, is scheduled to continue until July, with a previous attempt at prosecution collapsing due to a judicial scandal.

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chronic heart failure, which is related to toxic substances.