Argentine prosecutors seek 12-year prison terms in Maradona death trial

Argentine prosecutors seek up to 12 years in prison for medical staff over Diego Maradona's death.

Argentine prosecutors have demanded prison sentences of up to 12 years for seven medical professionals accused of negligence in the 2020 death of football legend Diego Maradona. During closing arguments, the prosecution accused the medical team of abandoning Maradona to his fate through a chaotic and reckless home-care setup. The defendants, who deny the charges of simple homicide with eventual intent, face the final weeks of a landmark trial in San Isidro.

• The core accusationProsecutors argued that the medical staff knew Maradona could die but did nothing to prevent it, leaving him in a helpless state.
• The defendantsThe seven accused include Maradona's neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, and several nurses and coordinators.
• The potential penaltyIf convicted of simple homicide with eventual intent, the defendants face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years, though prosecutors requested up to 12 years.
• The backgroundMaradona died of cardiac arrest at age 60 in November 2020 while recovering from brain surgery at a rented home near Buenos Aires.