Mutual accusations over the medical care of the late Maradona
Amman2 min read
Share
Several defendants in the trial over the death of Diego Armando Maradona exchanged accusations regarding the medical care provided to the Argentine star during his convalescence period which led to his death.
Seven healthcare workers (a doctor, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, and nurses) have been on trial since April in San Isidro, near the capital Buenos Aires, on charges of potential medical negligence during the convalescence period of the former Napoli star, who was receiving treatment at home.
Maradona was recovering from brain surgery at his home in Tigre, in the province of Buenos Aires, when he died in 2020 at the age of 60 due to cardiorespiratory arrest and pulmonary edema.
Nancy Forlini, the medical coordinator, questioned: "How could I have overlooked something that was not asked of me to do?"
After being accused of failing to provide the necessary equipment and personnel, fingers were pointed at neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque and psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, who are also on trial in the case.
She said, "The latter told me that all decisions go through them (...), and that they hold all the authority."
For his part, Dr. Luque blamed Forlini, insisting, "I was following the case surgically (...), and I was not the attending physician."
As for Pedro Di Spagna, he in turn denied responsibility for the condition, and confirmed that he was unable to see the patient during his last two visits.
Testifying, he said, "I felt frustrated for not being able to perform my duty, but I was asked to leave."
Despite the major divergence in the trial's approach by the defendants, they all insist on their innocence and face up to 25 years in prison.
The trial has entered its final phase, with closing arguments set to begin on October 8 and continue over six hearings until October 22.
