Leopoldo Luque faces 12-year sentence request over Maradona death

Argentine prosecutors have formally requested a 12-year prison sentence for neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque in connection with the death of football legend Diego Maradona. Luque, who was Maradona's primary physician, is the lead defendant among six medical professionals accused of providing inadequate care to the 1986 World Cup winner. The prosecution argues that the medical team’s actions, or lack thereof, constituted "simple homicide with eventual intent," implying they knew Maradona could die but did nothing to prevent it.

In addition to the 12-year demand for Luque, prosecutors have asked for an eight-year sentence for psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov. The legal proceedings center on the conditions of Maradona's care at a rented residence in Tigre, Argentina, where he was recovering from brain surgery in November 2020. Investigators previously concluded that the medical treatment was "deficient, reckless, and indifferent," and that Maradona was left to his fate for a prolonged period leading up to his death from heart failure.

The trial has been closely watched globally, given Maradona's status as a national icon in Argentina and a figure of immense significance in sports history. The prosecution's sentencing requests mark a pivotal stage in the trial, which seeks to establish whether the medical team ignored clear warning signs regarding Maradona's deteriorating health. The defense is expected to deliver its closing arguments before the court retires to deliberate on a final verdict in the coming months.