Buenos Aires — The trial surrounding the death of Argentine soccer legend diego Armando Maradona has taken a new turn with testimony from a key witness. Pablo Dimitroff,director of the clinic where Maradona was treated before his death,provided critical insights into the circumstances leading up to the icon’s passing.

Dimitroff’s testimony occurred during a hearing at the Oral Criminal Court (TOC) No. 3 of san Isidro, near Buenos aires. Seven health workers are facing charges of simple homicide with eventual intent in connection with Maradona’s death. This charge implies that while the defendants may not have directly intended to cause Maradona’s death, they allegedly acted with a reckless disregard for his well-being, leading to his demise.

Director’s Testimony: A Troubled patient

Dimitroff, whose clinic treated Maradona for a subdural hematoma, painted a picture of a patient struggling with compliance and self-destructive behaviors. He stated that Maradona exhibited altered sleep-vigilia cycles and did not comply with the taking of the medication. These issues, according to Dimitroff, were key factors in the suggestion for home hospitalization.

• Surgical Intervention: Maradona underwent surgery at the Olivos Clinic for a subdural hematoma.
• Discharge and Transfer: He was discharged on Nov. 11, 2020, and moved to a private residence in Tigre.
• Death: Maradona died two weeks later, on Nov. 25.

Dimitroff elaborated on Maradona’s behavior, stating: His behaviors were self -injurious, he did not eat, he took things that did not do well, he did not get out of bed, he was awake at night and slept during the day, he did not meet the medication taking. This paints a concerning picture of Maradona’s state of mind and adherence to medical advice in the days leading up to his death.

Concerns Over Home treatment

The decision to move Maradona from the Olivos Clinic to a private residence has been a point of contention. Dimitroff expressed his reservations, stating: It seemed to us that the address was not the right place for the continuity of the treatment that had begun in Olivos Clinic with the drain of the bruise. He suggested that a more appropriate setting woudl have been an institution equipped to handle Maradona’s complex needs.

Dimitroff advocated for transferring Maradona to an institution that could address his motor rehabilitation, addiction problems, and abstinence symptoms. He believed this was the only adequate exit to ensure that the patient could carry out a good recovery.

Dimitroff claims he alerted Maradona’s doctors, Leopoldo Luque and Agustina Cosachov, to the challenges of treating the soccer star at home, describing him as a complicated patient. According to Dimitroff, his concerns were acknowledged by both the family and the medical team, who admitted the difficulties they faced in managing Maradona’s care at home.

The Accused

Along with Luque and Cosachov, other health professionals facing charges include:

• Carlos Díaz, psychologist
• Nancy Forlini, doctor and coordinator for Swiss Medical
• Pedro Di Spagna, doctor
• Mariano Perroni, nursing coordinator
• ricardo Almirón, nurse

Nurse Gisela Madrid will face a separate jury trial.

The Trial’s stakes

Judges Maximiliano Savarino, Verónica Di tommaso, and Julieta Makintach will determine the guilt of the defendants. The charge of simple homicide with eventual intent carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.