Diego Maradona’s death continues to be the subject of a high-profile trial, and a recent development has added even more drama to the case. Julio Cesar Coria, the football legend’s former bodyguard, has been arrested for perjury after allegedly lying under oath about his knowledge of Maradona’s medical care. His testimony has come under scrutiny as prosecutors attempt to determine whether gross negligence played a role in the Argentine icon’s passing.
Coria had been called to testify because of his close association with Maradona in his final days. During his testimony, he denied having any prior communication with Leopoldo Luque, the neurosurgeon who had been treating Maradona. However, prosecutors presented WhatsApp messages contradicting his claims, revealing conversations between Coria and Luque discussing Maradona’s health and even social invitations. This evidence suggested a closer relationship than Coria had initially admitted.
Inconsistencies in Coria’s testimony did not stop there. He initially told investigators that psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov had not attempted to perform CPR on Maradona when he was found unresponsive at his residence in Tigre on November 25, 2020. However, once in court, Coria changed his statement, claiming she had indeed tried to revive him. These contradictions prompted the judges to order his immediate arrest.
The ongoing trial seeks to determine whether Maradona’s medical team provided inadequate care in the days leading up to his death. Seven medical professionals, including Luque and Cosachov, are facing homicide charges, accused of acting in a manner that foreseeably led to Maradona’s death without taking appropriate preventive measures. If found guilty, they could face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.
In an emotional opening statement, the prosecution painted a grim picture of Maradona’s final days, referring to the home where he stayed after brain surgery as a “House of Horror.” It was argued that the living conditions and medical care provided were completely unsuitable for someone recovering from such a serious procedure. A medical board report further supported these claims, stating that the care Maradona received was “inadequate, deficient, and reckless.”
Luque, who was both Maradona’s neurosurgeon and a long-time friend, has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that he did everything in his power to provide proper medical attention. However, new testimonies have continued to cast doubt on the quality of care Maradona received. His daughter Jana recently testified in court, revealing that her sisters, Dalma and Gianinna, had pushed for their father to be admitted to a clinic. This request was reportedly rejected by Luque, a decision that has now come under significant scrutiny.
Originally, the trial proceedings were streamed online, allowing the public to follow the case closely. However, the court has since decided to halt live broadcasts, limiting public access to the hearings.
Coria’s arrest is the latest twist in a case that remains far from over. As the trial continues, more revelations are expected to emerge, further exposing the circumstances surrounding the final days of one of football’s greatest icons.
