Argentine Judge Removed from Post Over Maradona Death Trial Scandal - Maradona death trial collapses as judge’s documentary scandal forces restart
The trial into Diego Maradona’s death has faced a major setback after the judge overseeing the case was removed. María Alejandra Makintach was found to have caused 'enormous harm' to Argentina’s judicial system by appearing in an unauthorised documentary. The proceedings will now restart in March with a new panel of judges.
Maradona died on 25 November 2020 at the age of 60, following a cardiac arrest and pulmonary edema. Seven defendants, including his doctors and caregivers, stand accused of negligence, with prosecutors claiming they accepted his death as an inevitable outcome. If convicted, they could face prison terms of eight to 25 years.
The controversy began when Makintach appeared in Divine Justice, a documentary series about the trial. She claimed she had only agreed to an interview and did not know it would be used in the programme. However, the series showed her in the courthouse and discussed sensitive details of the case.
A disciplinary panel rejected her explanation, ruling that her involvement had seriously undermined public trust in the judicial process. Another judge, Cecilia Robledo, also featured in the documentary and was part of the original three-judge panel. The case will now proceed under a different team when hearings resume next year.
The removal of Makintach means the trial will restart from the beginning, delaying any potential verdict. With seven defendants still facing severe charges, the new judges will have to reassess the evidence and testimony. The outcome will determine whether those responsible for Maradona’s care are held legally accountable.
