Maradona medical team trial collapses
The trial in Argentina of the medical staff of Diego Maradona has collapsed after it was discovered that a judge had been involved in a documentary about the case. The judge said that the trial, which started on 11th March and had expected to continue until July, would need to start again.
Seven members of the medical team were charged with negligent homicide relating to the footballer and 1986 World Cup champion’s death in 2020, allegations which they deny. One of the three presiding judges, Julieta Makintach, stepped down.
Maradona, who spent much of his career at Napoli, was recovering in his home in Buenos Aires following brain surgery in November 2020, before dying of a heart attack. His medical team included a neurosurgeon, a doctor, and a night nurse. The former footballer, they claim, had refused additional treatment, and should have stayed at home for longer following the operation.
If convicted, they could face eight to 25 years in prison.
Makintach was accused by Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari of behaving “like an actress and not a judge,” after she took part in a documentary. A trailer for the documentary series, Divine Justice, was played in court, with defence lawyer Rodolfo Baque shouting “trash” at the judge.
After the criticism for her involvement, Makintach said that she had “no choice” but to step down from the case. A date has not been initially set for the new trial and new judges have not been nominated.
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