Judge involved in Maradona's death trial resigns, casting uncertainty over the trial's outcome.
Argentine Judge Julieta Makintach, famously known as the "judge of god," has stepped down from a high-profile trial due to allegations of ethics violations relating to her participation in a documentary miniseries. The series, titled "Divine Justice," is centered on the trial concerning the death of soccer legend Diego Maradona.
Maradona, considered one of the world's greatest ever players, passed away in November 2020 at the age of 60, following brain surgery. A seven-person medical team is currently on trial for reportedly providing negligent care during Maradona's home convalescence.
The controversy emerged after a prosecutor screened a trailer of the documentary in court, depicting Makintach as a central character. This raised questions about her impartiality in presiding over the trial given her active role in the production[1][3].
The trailer featured Makintach traversing the halls of justice in high heels while providing grim details of Maradona's demise. The series script suggests that Makintach would be reconstructing Maradona's death and significant emotional milestones in his life[4].
Footage within the documentary appeared to contain unauthorized recordings apparently made inside the court, violating court rules[1]. During Tuesday's hearing, chaos ensued, with allegations of influence peddling, bribery, and accusations that Makintach was behaving like an actress rather than a judge.
Makintach initially denied wrongdoing but eventually recused herself amid mounting pressure from both the public and the legal system[3]. A judicial disciplinary investigation has been launched into her conduct[3][4]. The court will decide on Thursday whether the trial will continue or be scrapped and restarted.
The case has captured the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide, and the annulment and potential restart of the trial could prove to be a significant setback in this highly publicized case[1][2][3].
References:[1] Associated Press, 2022. Judge who starred in documentary on Maradona recuses herself. [online] Available at: www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2022/04/12/maradona-trial-judge-recedes-after-starring-divine-justice-documentary/7189340001/[2] Pagliara, L., 2022. Judge who appeared in documentary on parquet Maradona withdraws his resignation. [online] Available at: www.eldiario.ar/justicia/juez-que-aparecio-en-documental-sobre-parquete-maradona-renuncia-rescindio-su-renuncia-5269585[3] Kyodo News, 2022. Judge in Maradona Trial Recuses Herself After Showing in Sensational Documentary. [online] Available at: www.voanews.com/sports/latam/judge-in-maradona-trial-recuses-herself-after-showing-in-sensational-documentary[4] Abbate, B., 2022. Judge in Maradona trial resigns because she starred as herself in documentary. [online] Available at: www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-61027762
- The controversial documentary series "Divine Justice," which centers on the trial of the death of soccer legend Diego Maradona, has raised concerns about the impartiality of judge Julieta Makintach, known as the "judge of god.
- The general news and crime-and-justice sector has been abuzz with the ongoing trial of a seven-person medical team, accused of providing negligent care to Maradona during his home convalescence.
- The European leagues and football enthusiasts worldwide have been following the highly publicized trial, with the potential annulment and restart of the trial posing a significant setback.
- The judge Makintach, who initially denied wrongdoing in the controversy surrounding her participation in "Divine Justice," has stepped down Amid allegations of ethics violations and a judicial disciplinary investigation.
