Argentine court declares mistrial in Diego Maradona death case over judicial ethics breach
Judge's documentary role prompts legal reversal
A court in Argentina has declared a mistrial in the ongoing trial against seven health professionals accused of medical negligence in the 2020 death of soccer legend Diego Maradona.
The ruling followed the recusal of Judge Julieta Makintach, who came under scrutiny after her involvement in a documentary series titled
Divine Justice
, which covers the aftermath of Maradona's death through the current legal proceedings.
Also read:
Was Diego Maradona's death a case of tragic negligence or cold-blooded murder? Disturbing details emerge as court probes how the Argentine football legend died
The prosecutor presented a trailer from the series, alleging that Makintach violated judicial ethics by allowing a film crew to document her actions inside the Buenos Aires courthouse. The teaser included dramatized footage of the judge walking through court halls during closed-door sessions.
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Makintach resigned from the case on Tuesday, May 27, saying she had 'no choice' but to withdraw. On Thursday, May 29, Judge Maximiliano Savarino stated that Makintach's lack of impartiality had undermined the case and led to the mistrial.
New trial ordered after ethics controversy
The decision voids all progress made since the trial's start on March 11, 2024. A higher court will now assign a new panel of three judges through a lottery system. No new trial date has been set, though the court stated it would occur 'within a reasonable period of time.'
The trial had already conducted 21 hearings, calling on numerous witnesses including medical experts and family members. It was originally expected to conclude by July 2025. The reset now delays the proceedings indefinitely.
Two of Maradona's daughters, Gianinna and Dalma, were present at the courthouse and became emotional upon hearing the decision.
Also read:
Diego Maradona's medical team on trial for homicide, faces 25 years in jail
Medical negligence at center of charges
The seven defendants, including Diego Maradona's primary physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, medical coordinator, and two nurses, face charges of culpable homicide. This Argentine legal classification is similar to involuntary manslaughter and carries a maximum sentence of 25 years.
Prosecutors allege that Maradona's care team failed to monitor and hospitalize him appropriately during his recovery from brain surgery in late 2020. He died of cardiac arrest on November 25, 2020, at age 60, while at a rented home outside Buenos Aires.
Expert testimony in the earlier phase of the trial indicated that Maradona may have suffered for up to 12 hours without sufficient medical supervision.
The defendants deny all charges and argue that Maradona was uncooperative and refused necessary medical treatment.
Public and legal attention continues
The case has received extensive attention across Argentina and globally, given Maradona's prominent legacy in international soccer. Known for leading Argentina to a World Cup victory in 1986, Maradona is considered one of the sport's greatest players.
Also read:
Maradona's final play: Doctor claims home care was 'red card' to recovery in testimony
His personal life, which included struggles with substance abuse, has remained a frequent subject of public interest. The trial's combination of legal, ethical, and personal drama has further amplified its visibility in Argentine media.
Despite the legal setback, the case is expected to resume under a newly assigned judicial panel. Schedules and procedural details will be announced after the court completes its judge selection.
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First Post
4 days ago
- First Post
Explained: The TV miniseries controversy that led to cancellation of Diego Maradona trial
A new trial of Diego Maradona's medical team and its negligence will begin now after Judge Julieta Makintach was accused of behaving like 'an actress.' read more One of the judges, Julieta Makintach, in Diego Maradona's trial has been accused of behaving like 'an actress'. Images: Reuters The trial of late football legend Diego Maradona's medical team due has been cancelled by an Argentinian court due to a TV miniseries controversy. The trial had already seen weeks of hearings and testimony from over 40 witnesses, but a TV series scandal involving Judge Julieta Makintach has led to its cancellation. A new trial will have to start from scratch, with three new judges, in a case already long delayed until Maradona's death in 2020, allegedly due to medical negligence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Judge Makintach forced to step down over TV series controversy Judge Makintach was forced to step down from the case this week after it emerged she had been involved in a documentary miniseries about the case, potentially breaking a string of ethics rules. Her colleague, Judge Maximiliano Savarino, annulled the trial, saying Makintach's behaviour had 'caused prejudice' to proceedings that have already heard hours of painful, sometimes tearful, testimony from witnesses including Maradona's children. More from Football 'I am not calm. I am angry. I hate them!' the footballer's daughter Jana Maradona said outside the court. Maradona's ex-partner Veronica Ojeda described the events as 'outrageous'. But she added: 'If I have to do it (testify) a thousand times more, I will.' Gianinna and Dalma Maradona, daughters of late Argentine foorball legend Diego Maradona. Image: Reuters Maradona died in November 2020 at the age of 60 while recovering from brain surgery. He was found to have died of heart failure and acute pulmonary edema – a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs – two weeks after going under the knife. His seven-person medical team is on trial over the conditions of his home convalescence, described by prosecutors as grossly negligent. In a trial that kicked off on March 11, prosecutors alleged the former footballer was abandoned to his fate for a 'prolonged, agonising period' before his death. Daughter Gianinna Maradona told the court her father was kept in a 'dark, ugly and lonely' place, and that his carers were more interested in money than his welfare. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Makintach's unauthorised filming causes uproar Then the proceedings hit a hiccup, with Makintach coming under scrutiny over alleged unauthorised filming. She denied any wrongdoing, but after police raids and a week-long suspension of proceedings, evidence came to light that brought the 47-year-old judge's conduct into question. A trailer for a TV show dubbed 'Divine Justice' was played in court on May 27, showing Makintach stalking the halls of justice in high heels as grim details of the footballing hero's demise were relayed. The public prosecutor Patricio Ferrari accused Makintach of behaving 'like an actress and not a judge' after showing the trailer. The footage, which sparked an uproar, appeared to contain unauthorised recordings made inside the court, and showed Makintach being interviewed on camera. Estos son algunos de los videos del documental que estaba grabando la jueza del caso Maradona, Julieta Makintach @videmasi — elDiarioAR (@elDiarioAR) May 25, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She has been suspended from her duties and is being investigated by a judicial disciplinary body, accused of violating impartiality requirements, influence peddling and possibly even bribery. The prosecution, the complainants and most of the defence lawyers had asked for a new panel of judges to be appointed and the trial restarted. 'There was no other option than nullifying the trial,' said Vadim Mischanchuk, the lawyer for Maradona's psychiatrist, one of the accused. No date has been set for the new trial, but the prosecution has said it hopes for a restart this year. Any possible appeals against the May 29 ruling could delay the resumption of proceedings, for which judges will be chosen by an internal court lottery. Maradona's caregivers risk prison terms of between eight and 25 years if convicted of 'homicide with possible intent' – pursuing a course of action despite knowing it could lead to his death. 'Maradona still not at peace,' said an Argentinian press headline this week. With agency inputs STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Argentine court declares mistrial in Diego Maradona death case over judicial ethics breach
Judge's documentary role prompts legal reversal A court in Argentina has declared a mistrial in the ongoing trial against seven health professionals accused of medical negligence in the 2020 death of soccer legend Diego Maradona. The ruling followed the recusal of Judge Julieta Makintach, who came under scrutiny after her involvement in a documentary series titled Divine Justice , which covers the aftermath of Maradona's death through the current legal proceedings. Also read: Was Diego Maradona's death a case of tragic negligence or cold-blooded murder? Disturbing details emerge as court probes how the Argentine football legend died The prosecutor presented a trailer from the series, alleging that Makintach violated judicial ethics by allowing a film crew to document her actions inside the Buenos Aires courthouse. The teaser included dramatized footage of the judge walking through court halls during closed-door sessions. Live Events Makintach resigned from the case on Tuesday, May 27, saying she had 'no choice' but to withdraw. On Thursday, May 29, Judge Maximiliano Savarino stated that Makintach's lack of impartiality had undermined the case and led to the mistrial. New trial ordered after ethics controversy The decision voids all progress made since the trial's start on March 11, 2024. A higher court will now assign a new panel of three judges through a lottery system. No new trial date has been set, though the court stated it would occur 'within a reasonable period of time.' The trial had already conducted 21 hearings, calling on numerous witnesses including medical experts and family members. It was originally expected to conclude by July 2025. The reset now delays the proceedings indefinitely. Two of Maradona's daughters, Gianinna and Dalma, were present at the courthouse and became emotional upon hearing the decision. Also read: Diego Maradona's medical team on trial for homicide, faces 25 years in jail Medical negligence at center of charges The seven defendants, including Diego Maradona's primary physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, medical coordinator, and two nurses, face charges of culpable homicide. This Argentine legal classification is similar to involuntary manslaughter and carries a maximum sentence of 25 years. Prosecutors allege that Maradona's care team failed to monitor and hospitalize him appropriately during his recovery from brain surgery in late 2020. He died of cardiac arrest on November 25, 2020, at age 60, while at a rented home outside Buenos Aires. Expert testimony in the earlier phase of the trial indicated that Maradona may have suffered for up to 12 hours without sufficient medical supervision. The defendants deny all charges and argue that Maradona was uncooperative and refused necessary medical treatment. Public and legal attention continues The case has received extensive attention across Argentina and globally, given Maradona's prominent legacy in international soccer. Known for leading Argentina to a World Cup victory in 1986, Maradona is considered one of the sport's greatest players. Also read: Maradona's final play: Doctor claims home care was 'red card' to recovery in testimony His personal life, which included struggles with substance abuse, has remained a frequent subject of public interest. The trial's combination of legal, ethical, and personal drama has further amplified its visibility in Argentine media. Despite the legal setback, the case is expected to resume under a newly assigned judicial panel. Schedules and procedural details will be announced after the court completes its judge selection. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Argentine court declares mistrial in Diego Maradona's death
A controversial decision by an Argentine judge paved the way for the court to declare a mistrial on Thursday in the case concerning the death of soccer legend Diego Maradona. One of three judges sitting on the bench, Julieta Makintach, resigned from the case on Tuesday, prompting the court to declare the mistrial. Maradona's seven-member medical team have been accused of negligence in his Nov. 25, 2020 death as a result of cardiac arrest. Makintach had permitted a forthcoming documentary about the case entitled "Divine Justice" to be filmed at trial. Moreover, the prosecution showed clips of the judge walking through the court as part of a 90-second trailer. The trailer caused such a national outcry that Makintach said on Tuesday that she had "no choice" but to resign from the proceedings. The judges stated that there would be a new trial, but did not indicate when that would occur. In addition, new judges will selected via a lottery. The trial began on March 11 and dozens of witnesses had already testified. It was expected to conclude in the summer, but now that could be a new starting point. "I trust we could have a sentence by the end of the year," said Fernando Burlando, an attorney for Maradona's daughters Dalma and Gianinna Maradona. The family accused the medical team of failing to provide appropriate care for Maradona, 60, after his surgery for a hematoma that formed between his skull and brain. The surgery was performed in early November and he died weeks later during his recovery at a private home. The seven defendants all deny the charges and claim that Maradona fought against them during the recovery period. Maradona led Argentina to the World Cup in 1986 and the soccer-crazed nation did not capture it again until 2022.
