A Buenos Aires court said it will hand down its judgment on the negligence trial surrounding the 2020 death of Argentine football icon [Diego Maradona](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diego_Maradona) on December 22, after six months of testimony from doctors, prosecutors and family members in the city of Tigre, north of Buenos Aires.
The case involves seven healthcare professionals, with prosecutors asking for prison terms ranging from four to twelve years; the longest sentence is sought for the chief physician, [Leopoldo Luque](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leopoldo_Luque).
Maradona, then 60, was discovered dead on 25 November 2020 from heart failure compounded by pulmonary edema while recuperating after a minor neurosurgical procedure.
Dalma Maradona, one of the star’s daughters, addressed the court, saying, “I hope my father receives the justice he deserves…like anyone else,” her voice breaking with emotion.
Luque, the primary doctor, maintained his innocence, calling himself a “scapegoat” and insisting that only Diego would stand up for him.
**What did the prosecution request?**
Prosecutors argued that the doctors’ choice to keep Maradona at a private residence rather than a hospital was reckless, citing the absence of essential medical equipment such as a hospital‑grade bed, defibrillator and an on‑call ambulance.
**What evidence did the defence present?**
Luque’s lawyers played audio recordings, cited scientific articles and even showed a video of the autopsy, actions that provoked anger from Maradona’s daughters.
**How many witnesses were heard?**
The trial, which began in April, featured testimony from more than 70 witnesses, including medical experts who said the caretakers ignored warning signs like edema, tachycardia and breathing difficulties.
**What was Luque’s reaction in court?**
Luque repeatedly asserted, “It’s easy to attack me because I’m the one who had the most contact with Maradona,” adding, “I cared deeply for him, I loved him, he was my idol and my friend.”
The verdict, expected on 22 December, will determine whether the defendants face imprisonment for alleged negligence that led to the death of one of Argentina’s most celebrated athletes.