Khaberni - A new trial concerning the circumstances of the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona begins on Tuesday, a year after a scandal involving one of the judges led to the collapse of the first trial.
Maradona, who is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, died in November 2020 at the age of 60, while recovering from brain surgery at a private residence.
His death followed heart failure and severe pulmonary crisis, a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs, two weeks after the surgery.
The prosecution charged a medical team of seven people, who were overseeing his treatment during his recovery in the Tigre suburb north of Buenos Aires, with conditions described as "gross negligence."
However, the trial stopped two and a half months after it began, hours after powerful testimonies, some marked by tears, were given by witnesses including Maradona’s children.
The trial was annulled in May 2025, after it was revealed that one of the supervising judges was involved in a documentary film about the case, which was considered a possible breach of ethics rules.
Judge Julieta Mackintosh stepped down while simultaneously facing criminal proceedings due to her conduct.
The new trial, which is scheduled to hear about 120 witnesses, will attempt once again to determine whether Maradona's medical team was responsible for his death.
Seven healthcare workers, including doctors, psychologists, and nurses who were overseeing his care at the time, are accused of committing a crime of manslaughter with the possibility of a conviction for "reckless homicide," meaning continuing a therapeutic approach knowing it could lead to death.
The defendants face prison sentences ranging between eight years and 25 years if convicted.
In contrast, the defense team asserts that Maradona, who led a tumultuous life and struggled with addiction and alcohol, died of natural causes.
