Latest news with #DiegoMaradona
Daily Tribune
a day ago
- Daily Tribune
After 2 months, 40 witnesses, Maradona trial scrapped
Aires After weeks of hearings and testimony from over 40 witnesses, an Argentine court on Thursday nullified the trial of late football legend Diego Maradona's medical team due to a scandal over a TV miniseries. A new trial will have to start from scratch, with three new judges, in a case already long delayed into Maradona's death in 2020, allegedly due to medical negligence. Judge Julieta 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 on Thursday, saying Makintach's behavior had 'caused prejudice' to proceedings that have already heard hours of painful, sometimes tearful, testimony from witnesses including Maradona's children. 'I am not calm. I am angry. I hate them!' the footballer's daughter Jana Maradona told reporters outside the court Thursday. 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.' Maradona -- considered one of the world's greatest ever players -- 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.
DW
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- DW
Mistrial declared in Maradona case after judge's scandal – DW – 05/30/2025
Alex Footman 05/30/2025 May 30, 2025 After Argentine soccer icon Diego Maradona died of heart failure, state prosecutors accused his medical team of gross negligence. Now the trial has taken a dramatic turn, after it came out that a judge had been shooting a documentary about the proceedings.
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First Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- 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
2 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 )
AsiaOne
2 days ago
- Sport
- AsiaOne
Mistrial ruled in case against Diego Maradona's medical team, lawyers say, World News
BUENOS AIRES — The homicide case against Diego Maradona's medical team was declared a mistrial, their lawyers said on Thursday (May 29). The football star's 2020 death from heart failure while recovering from surgery shook his home nation of Argentina, while fans worldwide were stunned. Seven members of his medical team were charged with negligent homicide in a trial that began on March 11. Maradona led the Argentine team to a World Cup victory in 1986, when he scored two of the sport's most memorable goals against England — including the so-called "Hand of God" — and took his Italian club Napoli to its first two Serie A titles. His ex-partner spoke to media after lawyers told reporters outside the court the case had been declared a mistrial: "I am saddened because this means five years of work have been thrown in the trash," Veronica Ojeda said, amid tears. "They mocked us." The defendants have denied the charges of "simple homicide with eventual intent" in Maradona's treatment. They were facing prison sentences of between eight and 25 years. The mega star was managing several health issues, had a history of addiction, and had undergone surgery to remove a blood clot days before his death. The date for the new trial was not immediately announced and new judges were not nominated. "I trust we could have a sentence by the end of the year," said Fernando Burlando, a lawyer for Dalma and Gianinna Maradona, the football star's daughters. Lawyers for the defence and prosecution have estimated the trial will take longer to restart. The Thursday decision came after one of three judges in the case, Judge Julieta Makintach, resigned on Tuesday in the face of allegations of an ethical breach. Video surfaced showing her apparently being interviewed by a camera crew as part of a documentary in the corridors of the Buenos Aires courthouse and in her office, which breached judicial rules. Maradona's children and the attorney general's office had been advocating for three new judges, while some defence attorneys were advocating for a trial with the two remaining original judges. "This is all a great embarrassment," defence attorney Miguel Angel Pierri told media outside the courthouse. [[nid:718466]]
