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 dismissal of Judge Julieta Makintach, 48, was confirmed by a special judicial panel, which also barred her from holding any future judicial roles. This decisive action follows the revelation of her participation in a documentary miniseries about the case, a move that breached multiple judicial ethics rules.
The Scandal That Derailed the Trial
Judge Makintach was one of three presiding judges in the now-annulled trial of Maradona's medical team. The case was investigating the circumstances surrounding the football legend's death from heart failure and acute pulmonary edema on 25 November 2020, just two weeks after he underwent brain surgery.
Despite her denials of any involvement with a documentary, footage emerged in Argentine media showing Judge Makintach being interviewed by a film crew. Prosecutors further alleged that she permitted the crew unauthorised access to the courthouse on a Sunday, merely two days before the trial was set to begin.
This filming was reportedly conducted without the knowledge of the other judges, Maradona's grieving family, or the defendants facing serious charges.
The Case Against Maradona's Medical Team
The legal proceedings were centred on the care the 60-year-old football star received while convalescing at a private home after his operation. Prosecutors have labelled his treatment as grossly negligent, arguing that the decision to allow him to recover at home with minimal supervision and equipment, rather than in a proper medical facility, contributed to his death.
The defendants, members of Maradona's medical team, are accused of 'homicide with possible intent'. If convicted, they could face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years. The legal definition implies they are accused of pursuing a course of action despite being aware it could have fatal consequences.
Fallout and Future Implications
The mistrial and subsequent firing of Judge Makintach represent a significant setback in the quest for justice for one of football's most celebrated figures. Maradona, who had publicly battled cocaine and alcohol addictions for decades, was found dead in his bed by a day nurse.
This incident has cast a spotlight on judicial conduct in Argentina and the intense global scrutiny surrounding cases involving beloved public figures. The annulment of the trial means the process must essentially start anew, causing further delay for all parties involved.
The special panel's decision to disqualify Judge Makintach permanently underscores the severity with which the judicial system viewed her ethical breaches, emphasising the paramount importance of impartiality and procedure in such serious legal matters.
