A lawyer for Leopoldo Luque, the doctor charged in connection with the 2020 death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, has maintained his client’s innocence, describing him as a “scapegoat” during closing arguments on Wednesday.
Defence attorney Roberto Rallin rejected the prosecution’s argument that Maradona’s death was foreseeable, while another lawyer, Francisco Oneto, argued that the football icon died from an “acute and unpredictable” heart attack.
Prosecutors have requested a 12-year prison sentence for Luque, a neurosurgeon considered one of the key figures in Maradona’s medical care at the time of his death.
“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.”
Maradona was found dead in his bed at a rented residence in Tigre, north of Buenos Aires, where he was recovering from surgery for a subdural haematoma.
His death plunged Argentina into mourning amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with tens of thousands of people defying social-distancing restrictions to pay their last respects as his body lay in state at the presidential palace.
Seven healthcare professionals have been on trial since April over alleged negligence in Maradona’s death during his two-week recovery period. Prosecutors have sought prison sentences ranging from four to 12 years for six of the defendants.
During their closing arguments, prosecutors accused Luque of inaction, alleging that he repeatedly failed to respond to warning signs indicating the footballer’s deteriorating condition.
Luque’s defence team challenged the findings of an interdisciplinary medical commission established by the court in 2021 to examine the circumstances surrounding Maradona’s death.
The commission, drawing on the autopsy and other evidence, concluded that Maradona had a history of heart problems that should have been considered during his treatment. The prosecution relied on the findings to support its case.
However, Luque’s lawyers argued that clinical tests conducted before the surgery shortly before Maradona’s death had revealed no heart-related problems.
“It’s so clear that Maradona didn’t have any heart problems in 2020,” Oneto said.
Throughout the trial, Luque has been the most outspoken of the defendants, repeatedly addressing the court when he felt he was being blamed for the footballer’s death.
His legal team presented audio recordings, scientific publications and a video of Maradona’s autopsy, prompting anger from the footballer’s daughters.
“It’s easy to attack me because I’m the one who had the most contact with Maradona,” Luque told the court, adding that “the only one who would defend me would be Diego.”
Meanwhile, defence attorney Nicolas D’Albora, who represents medical coordinator Nancy Forlini, shifted responsibility towards Luque and another doctor, arguing that they were responsible for ensuring Maradona’s health.
Forlini faces a possible 10-year prison sentence over allegations that she failed to provide basic medical equipment for the footballer’s home care. She is charged with homicide with eventual intent.
