San Isidro, Argentina: The trial surrounding the death of Diego Maradona took an unexpected turn on Tuesday when Julio Coria, a former bodyguard of the late football icon, was arrested in court for allegedly lying under oath. Coria, who was present at Maradona’s home when he died in November 2020, was accused of contradicting key evidence, particularly regarding his communication with Leopoldo Luque, Maradona’s personal physician and one of the seven defendants in the case.

Prosecutors claim Coria's testimony was inconsistent with messages retrieved during the investigation, revealing contact with Luque both before and after Maradona’s death. The prosecution interrupted his statements multiple times before requesting his immediate arrest, which the judges granted.

Maradona, 60, died on November 25, 2020, from heart failure and acute pulmonary edema while recovering at home from brain surgery. His death has been the subject of intense scrutiny, with prosecutors branding the care he received as a "horror theatre." The seven defendants, including doctors, nurses, and a psychologist, face charges of “homicide with possible intent” for allegedly failing to provide adequate medical attention, despite knowing the risks to Maradona’s life. If convicted, they face prison sentences of eight to 25 years.

One of Maradona’s daughters, Jana, testified in court, stating that during a visit a week before his death, her father appeared "bloated" and in poor health. She recounted that Maradona’s psychologist, who is among the accused, advised family members not to visit him unless he specifically requested it. Witnesses have also claimed that the house where Maradona was recovering lacked essential medical equipment.

Coria's arrest adds another layer of complexity to the high-profile case, which is expected to last until July, with nearly 120 witnesses set to testify. Prosecutors allege that Maradona was abandoned to his fate for an extended period before his death, raising serious concerns about the negligence of those responsible for his care.