Prosecutors in Maradona death trial seek sentences up to 12 years

Argentine prosecutors have demanded prison sentences of up to 12 years for the chaotic medical team treating football legend Diego Maradona when he died on November 25, 2020. Seven medical professionals have been on trial since April in relation to Maradona's death, which occurred two weeks after he underwent surgery for a brain clot at a rented home in Buenos Aires.

Maradona, who had a history of substance abuse, died of heart failure and acute pulmonary edema. His medical team, including the chief doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, and nurses, are accused of providing inadequate care in the lead-up to his death. They deny the charges, arguing that Maradona's death could not have been foreseen and that they performed their duties.

The prosecution has accused the defendants of breaching their duties, performing actions contrary to the art of healing, and omitting all the acts they were required to perform. The highest sentence sought by prosecutors is 12 years for Maradona's personal physician, Leopoldo Luque, with other sentences ranging from four to 10 years for other medical staff.

The defense has challenged the notion that Maradona's death was foreseeable and has downplayed their individual responsibility for his care. Shock images of the former footballer, lying dead in bed with a grotesquely swollen stomach, were presented to the court on Thursday. The summation is expected to last around two weeks, with the verdict expected at a later date.