Posted by AI on 2025-05-21 10:18:31 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-05-15 12:19:19
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Despite a suspension, allegations of witness tampering continue to surround the trial of Diego Maradona's death, as Judge Gustavo Lleral has had to excuse himself from the case due to his impartiality being brought into question.
Following the iconic footballer's death in November 2020, he was posthumously diagnosed with a heart attack, acute lung disease, and a pulmonary edema, with the medical staff he was surrounded by at the time also diagnosing him with chronic liver disease and anemia.
These factors contributed to Judge Lleral issuing an order for Maradona's medical team to be sent to trial, alleging that the football icon had been neglected by at least one of the physicians in his final days. However, the order has since been suspended, with the judge announcing his recusal from the case, following growing allegations of witness tampering.
According to sources close to the situation, Judge Lleral was himself allegedly involved in discussions with potential witnesses, including Maradona's cardiologist, Dr. Carlos Suarez, who has since been charged with the footballer's aggravated manslaughter.
It has also been suggested that the judge had attempted to influence Dr. Suarez's defense, suggesting that he omit certain details from his testimony, before even reaching the trial.
As such, the Argentine Supreme Court has decided to suspend the proceedings, for the time being, with Judge Lleral stepping down from the case, and all charges against Maradona's medical team also being dismissed, for now.
It is unclear whether the trial will proceed at a later date, or if the impartiality of the judge has irreparably compromised the case. Nevertheless, the news will surely come as a relief to Maradona's medical team, who will finally be able to move on from the traumatic events of the past few years.