In a recent development, Judge Julieta Makintach, one of the judges overseeing a negligence trial concerning the death of Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona, has announced her withdrawal from the case. This decision comes following allegations that she participated in a documentary regarding Maradona’s death and its ramifications. This involvement, which is strictly prohibited for judges during active proceedings, has led to significant controversy.
Judge Makintach was part of a three-judge panel established on March 11 to assess the liability of seven healthcare professionals accused of negligent homicide in connection to Maradona’s death from cardiac arrest in 2020. The high-profile nature of the case, combined with Maradona’s legendary status in Argentina, where he led the national team to a World Cup victory in 1986, has attracted intense public scrutiny.
The trial, now put on pause, was already under the spotlight after one of the key defendants, Leopoldo Luque, Maradona’s personal doctor and a neurosurgeon, called for Judge Makintach’s recusal. This request was based on the revelation that a production company associated with the documentary had connections to the judge’s brother, Juan Makintach. Furthermore, there were suspicions of unauthorized filming within the courtroom, though Judge Makintach has denied any wrongdoing. Despite her denials, the prosecutor, Patricio Ferrari, insisted that the integrity of the judiciary was at stake, prompting the temporary halting of the trial.
The trial, which includes more than 190 witnesses set to testify, is seen as a critical examination of the medical care Maradona received in his final days. This is particularly salient, given Maradona’s battles with addiction and his death shortly after undergoing brain surgery for a blood clot. The seven defendants face up to 25 years in prison if found guilty. The trial’s future, with the resignation of Judge Makintach, remains uncertain as the court considers how to proceed with this monumental case.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/27/argentinian-judge-withdraws-from-negligence-case-over-maradonas-death?traffic_source=rss
