Latest news with #Makintach
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Irish Independent
Maradona homicide trial has collapsed after two months and 40 witnesses as judge was in documentary
An Argentine court nullified the trial, in which seven members of the football legend's medical team faced charges of negligent homicide, carrying sentences of between eight and 25 years. On Tuesday, Judge Julieta Makintach rescued herself from the case after video surfaced of her being interviewed inside the Buenos Aires courthouse, in violation of judicial rules. Judge Maximiliano Savarino said the conduct of his colleague had 'caused prejudice' to the proceedings, which started in March and had already heard more than 40 witnesses. It was expected to last for four months, but now, a new trial will be held with a different panel of judges. The date for the new trial was not initially announced and new judges were not nominated. 'This is all a great embarrassment,' defence attorney Miguel Angel Pierri told media outside the courthouse. Ms Makintach (47) bowed her head and bit her lip as footage of the Divine Justice documentary was played in court earlier this week. The nearly two-minute-long preview for the series begins with Ms Makintach, striding through the entrance to the courthouse in a white skirt and high heels, and taking a lift to the upper floors. The trailer is interspersed with news broadcasts of Maradona's death and an excerpt of an emergency call requesting an ambulance to an address in Buenos Aires. Patricio Ferrari, prosecuting, denounced Ms Makintach as 'behaving like an actress and not a judge'. He said: '[Ms Makintach] spoke about Maradona, the trial, how it was unfolding. 'She has been completely influenced by her leading role, by the centrality of her figure.' The prosecution, the complainants and most of the defence lawyers asked for a new panel of judges. Maradona died in 2020 aged 60 while recovering from brain surgery. He had been at his home recovering from surgery on a brain blood clot in November 2020 when he died of a heart attack. Prosecutors have alleged his death could have been avoided and described the care given as 'reckless, deficient and unprecedented'.
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First Post
4 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
France 24
4 days ago
- France 24
Mistrial declared in Maradona death case over judge's role in TV series
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 aged 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. - 'Divine Justice' - In a trial that kicked off on March 11, prosecutors alleged the former footballer was abandoned to his fate for a "prolonged, agonizing 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. Then the proceedings hit a hiccup, with Makintach coming under scrutiny over alleged unauthorized 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 Tuesday, showing Makintach stalking the halls of justice in high heels as grim details of the footballing hero's demise were relayed. The footage, which sparked an uproar, appeared to contain unauthorized recordings made inside the court, and showed Makintach being interviewed on camera. Makintach 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 defense lawyers had asked for a new panel of judges to be appointed and the trial restarted. No date has been set, but the prosecution has said it hopes for a restart this year. Any possible appeals 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.
eNCA
4 days ago
- eNCA
After 2 months, 40 witnesses, Maradona trial scrapped
ARGENTINA - 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 behaviour 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." AFP | TOMAS CUESTA 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. - 'Divine Justice' - AFP | TOMAS CUESTA 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. 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 Tuesday, showing Makintach stalking the halls of justice in high heels as grim details of the footballing hero's demise were relayed. The footage, which sparked an uproar, appeared to contain unauthorised recordings made inside the court, and showed Makintach being interviewed on camera. Makintach 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 defense 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 Thursday's 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 Argentine press headline this week. By Tomás Viola
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Straits Times
After 2 months, 40 witnesses, Diego Maradona trial scrapped
Diego Maradona's daughters Gianina Maradona (left) and Dalma Maradona attend the trial for their father's death, in Buenos Aires. PHOTO: EPA-EFE SAN ISIDRO – After weeks of hearings and testimony from over 40 witnesses, an Argentinian court on May 29 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, 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. '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.' 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. 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 footage, which sparked an uproar, appeared to contain unauthorised recordings made inside the court, and showed Makintach being interviewed on camera. 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. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
