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Seven medical professionals have been on trial since April over Diego Maradona’s death while convalescing after surgery for a brain clot.
Diego Maradona died aged 60 of heart failure. (AP Photo)
Members of Diego Maradona’s family have urged a court in Argentina to impose lengthy prison sentences on members of the football legend’s medical team, with two of his daughters describing his death as “murder.”
Seven healthcare professionals are on trial since April over the death of the 1986 World Cup-winning captain on November 25, 2020.
Maradona, 60, suffered heart failure and acute pulmonary edema two weeks after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain.
Prosecutors allege that those responsible for his treatment failed to provide adequate medical care while he recovered at a rented private residence.
All seven defendants deny the accusations.
The family has presented differing views on the sentences the accused should receive.
On Wednesday, Fernando Burlando, representing Maradona‘s daughters Dalma and Gianinna, demanded prison terms of up to 15 years for six defendants. He accused the medical team of murder” and condemned what he described as their “brutal indifference” towards the football icon.
“They killed a mythological hero,” Burlando said.
Meanwhile, Pablo Jurado, who represents Maradona’s three sisters, Rita, Claudia and Ana, requested sentences of up to 10 years for five of the accused. He argued that medical coordinator Nancy Forlini should face the most severe punishment among those he represents.
The sentencing demands follow a separate appeal on Tuesday by a lawyer for Maradona’s youngest son, 13-year-old Diego Fernando Maradona. The lawyer sought 16-year prison terms for Leopoldo Luque, the footballer’s personal physician, and Forlini.
State prosecutors began presenting their closing arguments last week, seeking convictions for six defendants and prison sentences ranging from four to 12 years. They identified Luque as the defendant who should receive the longest term.
Closing arguments are expected to continue through the end of October. The court in San Isidro, a suburb of Buenos Aires near the location where Maradona died, is expected to issue its verdict at a later date.
With AFP Inputs
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Ask News18Diego Maradona’s family has urged lengthy prison sentences for his medical team, with lawyers representing his daughters demanding up to 15 years for six defendants, and counsel for his sisters requesting up to 10 years for five accused. Meanwhile, state prosecutors have asked for prison terms ranging from four to 12 years, identifying personal physician Leopoldo Luque as facing the longest term.
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Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More
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