Argentina is set to commence a trial this week regarding the medical team of the late soccer legend Diego Maradona on charges of homicide by negligence. The case has stirred strong emotions in the country, where the World Cup champion is still held in near-deific esteem.
The trial, anticipated to extend over several months, will begin on Tuesday, more than four years after Maradona's passing in November 2020 due to heart failure at the age of 60, following brain surgery. The medical team, for the most part, denies the allegations.
In San Isidro, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, a court will hear nearly 120 testimonies. The defendants face charges of "simple homicide with eventual intent" in their treatment of the former Boca Juniors and Napoli player.
Maradona's death deeply impacted the South American nation, where he was idolized, sparking debates about accountability in light of the icon’s long struggle with addiction and health issues.
Known as "D10S" and "Pelusa" for his distinct hair, Maradona wrestled with alcohol and substance abuse but was revered for leading Argentina to World Cup victory in 1986.
His passing fueled resentment, with an investigative medical panel in early 2021 deeming the actions of his medical team as "inappropriate, deficient, and reckless".
"I hope there's justice because they killed him. Diego (Maradona) should be alive," shared Argentine merchant Luis Alberto Suarez, expressing his concerns to Reuters in Buenos Aires. "They didn't take care of him."
While some remain uncertain, self-employed worker Martin Milei commented, "In hindsight, they got it completely wrong. But I think there are more people responsible than what's being said."
Unemployed Argentine Pablo Knopfler expressed his desire for the trial to unveil the truth. "I hope there's a trial to know with more clarity what happened to Diego," he said. "Perhaps there's someone up above us or maybe Diego himself who wants to shed light on what happened to him so that the truth is revealed."