The court investigating the death of World Cup winner Diego Maradona, who played for the Argentina national team, has rejected a motion by the defense to dismiss two judges from the case.
Idman.biz, citing L’Equipe, reports that lawyers for Maradona's personal doctor Leopoldo Luque, who is currently under investigation, filed a request in July to remove two members of the newly formed three-judge panel, following the cancellation of the first trial.
The lawyers cited “certain concerns” regarding the impartiality of the judges. However, the judges dismissed the motion, stating that the request was “legally baseless, based solely on subjective assessments, assumptions, and speculations, and aimed at artificially delaying the process.” The defense has announced it will appeal the decision.
The initial trial was deemed invalid at the end of May after two and a half months of hearings and after one of the judges recused himself due to his involvement in a documentary series about the case, in which he played a prominent role.
Seven medical staff, including doctors, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, and nurses, have been charged with “intentional homicide” in connection with Maradona’s death. The charges stem from alleged negligence despite awareness that their actions could lead to his death. They face prison sentences ranging from 8 to 25 years.
Maradona died of heart failure on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60. Three weeks before his death, he had undergone brain surgery to remove a subdural hematoma. Hearings in the case began in March 2025 at the criminal court in San Isidro, Argentina.
Idman.biz
