Argentina's 'Football Emperor' Maradona Death Truth Investigation Protest

Death from Cardiac Arrest During Recovery from Brain Surgery Last Year
Authorities Investigate Possible Medical Negligence

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] A protest demanding a thorough investigation into the death of 'Football Emperor' Diego Maradona was held in Argentina.

According to local media on the 10th (local time), hundreds of citizens gathered in the capital Buenos Aires to demand clarification of the cause of Maradona's death. The protesters waved banners and flags bearing Maradona's face, shouting slogans such as "He (Maradona) was not dead but was murdered" and "Justice for Maradona."

One participant in the protest said, "We all know that the medical staff who treated Maradona are responsible for his death."

Last November, Maradona underwent brain surgery and was recovering at home when he suffered a heart attack and passed away.

Since then, Argentine investigative authorities have been investigating whether there was negligence by the medical staff, including Maradona's attending physician, during the process of his death. On the 8th, prosecutors held a medical accident verification meeting involving medical experts and entered the stage of analyzing the cause of Maradona's death. Local media reported that the announcement of the verification results is expected within two weeks at the earliest.

According to local media, if negligence by the medical staff is confirmed as a result of the investigation, they could face up to 15 years in prison.

Investigators reportedly believe there is a high possibility of medical negligence in his death, as confirmed by the autopsy conducted in December last year that Maradona had not consumed alcohol or drugs before his death, Al Jazeera reported. However, major foreign media reported that since health problems were found in his kidneys, heart, and lungs during the autopsy, additional investigations will be necessary to determine the exact cause of his death.

Meanwhile, Maradona is regarded as a national hero in his homeland Argentina. He made a decisive contribution to Argentina's ultimate victory in the 1986 World Cup and created a legendary moment known as the 'Goal of the Century' by dribbling 68 meters from the halfway line and scoring a goal in the quarterfinal match against England.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.