A doctor accused of negligence in the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona has denied responsibility, his lawyer said that his client was innocent and had been made a “scapegoat” during closing arguments in the trial.
Leopoldo Luque, a neurosurgeon who played a key role in Maradona’s medical care, faces a possible 12-year prison sentence over the former footballer’s death 6 year’s ago.
Defence lawyer Roberto Rallin rejected the prosecution’s argument that Maradona’s death was foreseeable, insisting that the evidence supported his client’s innocence.
“We are here to proclaim Luque’s innocence, not with television slogans, but with the evidence that supports it,” Rallin said.
“Leopoldo Luque has been the scapegoat,” he added.
Another defence lawyer, Francisco Oneto, argued that Maradona died from an “acute and unpredictable” heart attack.
“There was absolutely no possibility of predicting this fatal outcome,” Oneto said.
Maradona, who was 60, died from a cardiorespiratory crisis accompanied by pulmonary oedema while recovering from surgery for a subdural haematoma, a collection of blood between the brain and its outer covering.
He was found dead in bed at a rented residence in Tigre, north of Buenos Aires, where he was recuperating.
His death plunged Argentina into mourning during the COVID-19 pandemic, with tens of thousands of people defying social-distancing restrictions to pay their final respects as his body lay in state at the presidential palace.
Prosecution alleges medical negligence negligence
Seven healthcare professionals have been on trial since April over allegations of negligence during Maradona’s two-week recovery period.
Prosecutors have sought prison sentences ranging from four to 12 years for six of the defendants, including 12 years for Luque.
The prosecution has accused Luque of failing to respond appropriately to warning signs in Maradona’s condition.
His alleged “inaction” was a central focus of the prosecution’s case, with lawyers arguing that his attitude “was always to do nothing”.
The defence, however, challenged the findings of an interdisciplinary medical commission established by the court to investigate the circumstances surrounding the footballer’s death.
The commission concluded that Maradona had a history of heart problems that should have been considered during his treatment.
Luque’s lawyers disputed that finding, arguing that medical tests conducted before his surgery did not reveal any heart-related problems.
“It’s so clear that Maradona didn’t have any heart problems,” Oneto said during the closing arguments.
Luque says he loved football legend
Luque has been one of the most outspoken defendants throughout the proceedings, repeatedly defending his role in Maradona’s care.
His legal team has presented audio recordings, scientific articles and footage of the autopsy in an attempt to challenge the prosecution’s case.
The presentation of the autopsy video reportedly angered Maradona’s daughters.
Luque has maintained that his close relationship with the footballer has made him a target of accusations.
“It’s easy to attack me because I’m the one who had the most contact with Maradona,” he told the court.
“The only one who would defend me would be Diego,” he added.
“I cared deeply for him, I loved him, he was my idol and my friend.”
Meanwhile, the defence lawyer for medical coordinator Nancy Forlini, Nicolás D’Albora, shifted responsibility towards Luque and another doctor, arguing that they were responsible for ensuring Maradona’s health.
Forlini faces a possible 10-year sentence over allegations that she failed to provide basic medical equipment for home care.
The defence’s closing arguments are expected to continue, after which the court will move towards the next stage of the proceedings.
