Maradona Bodyguard Arrested for Perjury in Negligence Trial
A former bodyguard of the iconic football legend, Diego Maradona, has been taken into custody on suspicion of perjury. This arrest comes amidst the ongoing trial of seven healthcare professionals who are accused of criminal negligence in connection with Maradona’s untimely death.
More than four years have passed since the death of Diego Maradona. The Argentine medical team responsible for his home care in his final days are currently facing trial over allegations of serious failings. Chief prosecutor Patricio Ferrari has described the home care provided as “reckless and deficient,” highlighting the gravity of the charges.
Earlier in the trial, prosecutor Ferrari painted a grim picture, suggesting that the former star player for Barcelona, Napoli, and Boca Juniors was living in a “house of horror” in the period leading up to his death on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60.
Maradona’s death followed a subdural hematoma surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain. He tragically suffered a fatal heart attack at his residence in Tigre, near Buenos Aires, a mere two weeks after being discharged from the hospital post-operation.
Prosecutors argue that discharging the renowned footballer, aged 60, so soon after such a significant operation was irresponsible and that he was not in a suitable condition to return home. Ferrari stated emphatically, “You will see during this trial what reckless home care is, reckless, deficient, without precedent, without any type of control during the period that ended with Diego’s death.”
In total, seven health professionals are standing trial, facing accusations of negligence that allegedly contributed to Maradona’s death. Among those initially called as a witness was Julio Cesar Coria, Maradona’s former bodyguard. Coria had worked closely with the football icon for five years and was present in his home when he passed away from heart failure.
Coria’s intimate connection to Maradona led to him being summoned as a witness. However, during his testimony, inconsistencies emerged, prompting chief prosecutor Ferrari to issue warnings about contradictions within his statements.
Prosecutor Ferrari alleges that Coria committed perjury by falsely stating he had no communication with Maradona’s personal physician, Dr. Leopoldo Luque, prior to the football star’s death and by denying a friendship with the neurosurgeon.
To challenge Coria’s claims, Ferrari presented WhatsApp messages exchanged between the former bodyguard and Dr. Luque. These messages revealed a different picture, including an invitation to a barbecue and exchanges discussing Maradona’s health condition.
Further accusations of perjury against Coria arose from his initial statement omitting the fact that psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov had performed CPR in an attempt to revive Maradona. Coria later contradicted this omission by acknowledging Cosachov’s resuscitation efforts while on the witness stand.
On Tuesday, the criminal court took decisive action, ordering an official investigation into Coria for potential false testimony. Subsequently, he was arrested and formally accused of lying under oath, a serious offense in legal proceedings.
Julio Coria, former security of late Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, is detained for false testimony after the court in charge noted contradictions in his statement, at the San Isidro court in San Isidro, Buenos. Image credit: Getty
It has been reported that Julio Coria, in addition to his long-term service as Maradona’s bodyguard, also attempted to provide aid when Maradona became unresponsive by administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Family Accuses Health Professionals of “Murder” in Maradona Case
Fernando Burlando, the legal representative for Maradona’s family, delivered powerful statements in court this month, directly accusing the defendant health professionals of ‘murdering’ the beloved football icon.
Burlando asserted forcefully, “He was murdered. And for that task, someone who is still hiding in the shadows called on a team of health professionals to kill him in a silent but equally cruel way.”
Adding another layer to the accusations, Burlando alluded to potential hidden motives, stating, “There is an economic interest, a dark side to this situation that has not been incorporated so far … People who wanted to benefit from Diego’s death.”
The seven healthcare professionals facing trial include critical figures in Maradona’s care, such as his brain surgeon and psychiatrist. They are formally charged with culpable homicide, a legal term in Argentina closely akin to involuntary manslaughter in other jurisdictions.
All seven defendants have maintained their innocence by pleading not guilty to the charges. However, if convicted, they face significant penalties, including potential imprisonment for up to 25 years.
**Key Points at a Glance:**
- Former Diego Maradona bodyguard, Julio Cesar Coria, arrested for suspected perjury.
- Arrest linked to the ongoing trial of seven health professionals accused of negligence in Maradona’s death.
- Prosecutor alleges Coria lied about contact with Maradona’s doctor and CPR administration.
- WhatsApp messages presented as evidence of Coria’s communication with Dr. Luque.
- Maradona’s family lawyer accuses health professionals of “murder.”
- Defendants face culpable homicide charges, carrying a potential 25-year prison sentence.
This case continues to unfold, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Diego Maradona and raising serious questions about the standards of care he received in his final days.
**Stay tuned for further updates on this developing legal battle and its implications for medical negligence accountability.**