An Argentine judge has been removed from her position after her actions led to a mistrial in the high-profile negligence case concerning the death of football icon Diego Maradona.
The Judicial Dismissal
A special judicial panel, comprising judges, lawyers, and provincial legislators, has dismissed Julieta Makintach, 48, from her post. The panel also disqualified her from holding any future judicial office in Argentina.
Makintach was one of three judges presiding over the now-annulled trial investigating the circumstances surrounding Maradona's death. The case was brought against the medical team caring for the legendary footballer.
Ethical Breach and Documentary Involvement
The controversy erupted when it was revealed that Judge Makintach had participated in an interview for a documentary miniseries about the very case she was helping to judge.
This action prompted her to recuse herself from the proceedings, as it potentially violated a string of judicial ethics rules designed to ensure a fair trial.
Despite initially denying any participation in or authorisation for the filming, footage later emerged in Argentine media showing Makintach being interviewed by a film crew.
Prosecutors further allege that the judge permitted the film crew unauthorised access to the courthouse on a Sunday, just two days before the trial was set to begin. It is claimed this filming occurred without the knowledge of the other judges, Maradona's family, or the defendants.
Background of the Maradona Case
Diego Maradona died on 25 November 2020 at the age of 60. The official cause of death was heart failure and acute pulmonary oedema.
His passing came just two weeks after he underwent brain surgery for a blood clot. Maradona had a well-documented history of battling cocaine and alcohol addictions for decades.
He was discovered dead in his bed by a day nurse at the private home where he was convalescing.
The trial focuses on the medical team responsible for his care during his recovery. Prosecutors have described the conditions of his convalescence as grossly negligent.
A key point of contention is the decision by Maradona's doctors to allow him to recuperate at home with minimal supervision and medical equipment, rather than in a proper medical facility.
The defendants, if convicted of the charge of 'homicide with possible intent', face potential prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years. This charge implies they pursued a course of action despite knowing it could lead to death.
The mistrial means the entire legal process against the medical professionals must now be restarted, causing significant delays in the quest for justice for the football star's death.
