Maradona case: start of hearings on the circumstances of the death of the football idol
Un hombre y siu hija lloran la muerte de Diego Maradona cerca del Obelisco, Buenos Aires, el 25 de noviembre RONALDO SCHEMIDT AFP / Archivos
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The Argentinian public prosecutor's office, which is investigating the death of football idol Diego Maradona, begins Monday June 14 the first appearance interrogations of the seven nursing staff suspected of having "abandoned" him to a slow agony and who risk being dismissed before a court.
Publicity
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With our correspondent in Buenos Aires
,
Georges Quirino
Investigators believe that the seven members of the medical team indicted since May 19 have all "
violated the duties they each had their responsibility
." To support these accusations, the prosecution relies on documents seized during the investigation and above all on a report from independent medical experts. They had concluded that Maradona, who died of a heart attack, had been "
abandoned to her fate
" by her healthcare team. His treatment was deemed "
inadequate, deficient, imprudent
And leads to slow agony.
Before these hearings, the prosecution considers that these people who were responsible for the health of the former number 10 did nothing to prevent his death when it became clearer.
They face prison terms ranging from 8 to 25 years.
Read also: Diego Maradona, death of a universal legend
Long-awaited auditions in Argentina
For two weeks, the San Isidro prosecutor's office, located about ten kilometers north of Buenos Aires, will become one of the centers of media attention. At midday, in front of a swarm of cameras, Ricardo Almiron was the first to introduce himself. He was one of two nurses in charge of Pibe de Oro's health, the last to see him alive. The 40-year-old is suspected of failing to properly assist the former player on the day and the day before his death. Present for this first day of hearing: Mario Baudry, lawyer for Maradona's youngest son, Diego Fernando…
“
We hope to hear the truth… that everyone tells what they consider their responsibility.
We will see what to do next.
We are here first and foremost to listen.
All the questions we ask ourselves are in the investigation report
”, declared Maître Mario Baudry.
Among the seven people indicted, one man particularly attracts the attention of investigators: Dr. Leopoldo Luque.
The prosecution qualifies him as the doctor in charge of Maradona's health.
According to investigators, this is a responsibility he assumed with the family.
The 39-year-old neurosurgeon had participated in the brain surgery on the former player three weeks before his death.
The investigators suspect him in particular of having underestimated the symptoms of heart failure observed in Maradona before his disappearance.
In public opinion, the image of Leopoldo Luque has been tarnished since the broadcast of private audio messages where he used unfortunate words to define the national hero.
Read also Death of Maradona: the healthcare team accused of intentional homicide
Silent since last October, the doctor came out of his silence a few days ago in a much watched Saturday night show in Argentina.
To defend.
“
I was Diego's trusted doctor.
Diego was tired.
He was tired of everything.
All !
I wanted to save him because I loved him!
I am at ease because I have done my best.
I gave her everything I could.
Then Diego accepted or not.
I was one of those who set up his home hospitalization.
I am very serene,
”said Leopoldo Luque
Also to listen Death of Diego Maradona: Argentines mourn their "God"
An affair that fascinates Argentines
It is a pervasive case in the media.
Because the elements of the investigation are constantly coming out in the media.
Because the girls of Maradona demand justice every day on social networks.
Because the lawyers from the different parties are invited to the TV sets every week.
On the news channel Cronica TV, journalist Leo Arias lives to the rhythm of the twists and turns of an investigation very followed by Argentines
“
When the Maradona theme is evoked on the air, the audience multiplies by two easily.
There is very strong media pressure because the Argentinian wants someone in charge.
The Argentinian lives everything in a very passionate way.
A football match, a trial, a boxing match.
So imagine the death of our idol, of our greatest superhero…
”, affirms Leo Arias
Most local journalists are already preparing for a possible trial of those responsible for Maradona's death which, in terms of media coverage, would undoubtedly be unprecedented in Argentina.
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