A Argentine court has declared a mistrial in the case against Diego Maradona's medical team, charged with negligent homicide related to the football legend's death in 2020, due to a judge's involvement in a documentary.
Diego Maradona's Medical Team Trial Declared Mistrial Amid Controversy
Diego Maradona's Medical Team Trial Declared Mistrial Amid Controversy
Legal proceedings against the seven members of Diego Maradona's medical team face collapse due to a judge's conflict of interest.
The trial of the medical team responsible for Diego Maradona's care has officially collapsed in Argentina after significant irregularities were uncovered regarding the judge presiding over the case. The court found that Judge Julieta Makintach participated in a documentary related to the trial, rendering her impartiality questionable.
The proceedings, which commenced on March 11 and were initially expected to proceed until July, must now start over as a result of this breach. Seven medical professionals, including a neurosurgeon, a physician, and a night nurse, faced charges of negligent homicide in connection with the football icon's untimely death in 2020. They maintain their innocence, arguing that Maradona himself rejected further medical treatment and should have remained in care longer.
Maradona, who passed away at the age of 60 from a heart attack, was recuperating at home in Buenos Aires following brain surgery for a blood clot when he died. With the possibility of facing prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years if convicted, the stakes are high for the defendants.
Tensions escalated earlier this week in the courtroom when Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari criticized Judge Makintach for acting "like an actress rather than a judge." The turning point came when a trailer from the documentary series "Divine Justice" was screened in the courtroom—an act that drew outrage from defense lawyers and caused emotional reactions from Maradona’s family members present.
In light of the judge’s conflict and the unauthorized filming that violated court procedures, Makintach claimed she had "no choice" but to recuse herself from the case. This prompted the announcement of the mistrial, with no new trial date or replacing judges set as of yet.
The trial had previously heard testimony from nearly 50 witnesses, including Maradona's daughters, illustrating the enduring impact of the football legend's life and legacy.
