Maradona's Doctor Accused of Being a 'Scapegoat' in Football Legend's Death, Argentinian Court Hears

In the ongoing trial concerning the 2020 death of Argentinian football icon Diego Maradona, a lawyer representing Dr. Leopoldo Luque has argued that his client has been unfairly made a “scapegoat.” During closing arguments, defense attorney Roberto Rallin asserted Luque's innocence, challenging the prosecution's claim that Maradona's passing was foreseeable. Another defense lawyer, Francisco Oneto, contended that Maradona died from an “acute and unpredictable” heart attack, stating, “There was absolutely no possibility of predicting this fatal outcome.” Prosecutors are seeking a 12-year prison sentence for Luque, a neurosurgeon who was a primary decision-maker for Maradona during his final days.

“We are here to proclaim Luque’s innocence, not with television slogans, but with the evidence that supports it,” Rallin told the court. “Leopoldo Luque has been the scapegoat.” Maradona, who was 60 at the time of his death, succumbed to a cardiorespiratory crisis and pulmonary oedema. He was discovered deceased in a rented residence in Tigre, north of Buenos Aires, where he was recovering after surgery for a subdural hematoma. His death triggered widespread mourning across Argentina, even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, with many defying social distancing measures to pay their respects.

A total of seven healthcare professionals have been on trial since April, facing charges of potential negligence that may have contributed to Maradona's death during his two-week convalescence. Prosecutors have recommended sentences ranging from four to 12 years for six of the defendants. The prosecution's closing arguments criticized Luque's “inaction,” describing his approach as “always to do nothing” despite warning signs from Maradona.

Luque's legal team has also challenged the findings of an interdisciplinary medical commission established by the court in 2021. This commission had concluded that Maradona's history of heart problems should have been a critical factor, a point emphasized by the prosecution. However, the defense argued that pre-surgery clinical tests did not indicate any cardiac issues, with Oneto asserting, “It’s so clear that Maradona didn’t have any heart problems in 2020.” Luque himself was a vocal defendant throughout the trial, presenting audio recordings, scientific articles, and even a video of Maradona’s autopsy, which reportedly angered the footballer’s daughters. “It’s easy to attack me because I’m the one who had the most contact with Maradona,” Luque stated, adding, “the only one who would defend me would be Diego. I cared deeply for him, I loved him, he was my idol and my friend.”

Nicolas D’Albora, a defense lawyer for medical coordinator Nancy Forlini, also pointed to Luque and another doctor, stating they were “obliged to guarantee the patient’s health.” Forlini faces a potential 10-year sentence for homicide with intent, stemming from allegations of failing to provide essential medical equipment for home care. The defense's closing arguments are scheduled to continue.