Neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque testified Thursday in San Isidro court, stating he is innocent and expressing regret over Maradona's November 2020 death.
8:41 AM
Leopoldo Luque, the neurosurgeon who treated Diego Maradona, declared himself innocent Thursday during testimony in the trial examining responsibility for the footballer's death.
Luque stood and walked to the witness chair at 12:13 p.m. after tribunal president Alberto Gaig formally asked if he wished to testify. "I am innocent, I deeply regret his death," Luque said, referring to Maradona, who died November 25, 2020.
Luque is one of seven defendants accused of simple homicide with eventual intent in connection with Maradona's death. He is the first of the accused to testify in the current trial, which examines whether criminal responsibility exists in the death of the football icon.
Before declaring his innocence, Luque addressed the cause of death established by autopsy: chronic heart failure with dilated cardiomyopathy that decompensated and worsened due to lack of treatment. He presented scientific documents to support his defense during the hearing.
Maradona died from a cardiorespiratory crisis and pulmonary edema while recovering under home care following head surgery. Luque headed the medical team responsible for Maradona's health during this period.
The testimony came after procedural tension in the courtroom. When the defense announced Luque's intention to testify, prosecutor Patricio Ferrari objected, saying it appeared to be a joke. The defense had previously requested a witness list in advance to prepare questions. Ferrari then asked that physician Juan Carlos Pinto, who was ill and scheduled to testify first, be heard before Luque.
The dispute prompted tribunal president Alberto Gaig to intervene. "You are compromising the proper conduct of the trial, you must not affect the dynamics of the debate," Gaig said. Addressing Francisco Oneto, one of Luque's attorneys, Gaig added: "Moderate and lower your gestures."
This is the second trial in the case. A previous proceeding was annulled last year following a scandal involving a judge who was removed from office after authorizing a clandestine documentary of the trial. The other six defendants also face charges of homicide with eventual intent.
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