The sensational Maradona court proceedings require a retrial
Argentina's Court Orders Retrial in Diego Maradona Death Case
Argentine investigators are preparing for a retrial in the case surrounding the death of football legend Diego Maradona, after the initial trial was declared invalid due to allegations of bias against one of the judges.
The decision comes following a scandal involving judge Julieta Makintach, who reportedly participated in a documentary about the case. On May 29, 2025, Makintach resigned from the case, and the court in San Isidro ruled the trial invalid, ordering a new one.
The controversy arose after it was discovered that Makintach, one of three judges in the case, took part in a documentary miniseries titled "Divine Justice." The involvement raised concerns about the impartiality of the judge.
Judge Maximiliano Savarino, presiding in the case, ruled that Makintach's behavior had prejudiced both the prosecution and the defense. He declared the original trial invalid and ordered it to be repeated before another court, but did not specify the timeline. More than 40 witnesses have already testified since March.
Maradona, 60, died in 2020 following brain surgery, officially from a heart attack and pulmonary edema. His medical team, comprising seven defendants, is being tried for manslaughter near Buenos Aires over allegations of negligence during Maradona's home convalescence.
The investigative process will now proceed with a new panel of three judges, who will be responsible for re-evaluating the negligence accusations against the defendants. The maximum sentence in the event of a guilty verdict is up to 25 years in prison.
Maradona's family, including daughters Jana and others, have expressed frustration and anger with the setbacks. Regardless, they remain committed to pursuing justice for the footballing icon.
- The community and employment policy of the court may need to be reevaluated in light of the bias allegations surfacing in the Diego Maradona death case.
- The general-news outlets should continue to cover the Diego Maradona trial, as it moves into a new phase with a retrial ordered amid bribery scandals.
- In the world of crime-and-justice, the European leagues like Laliga will keep a watchful eye on the result of the retrial, as it could set a precedent for similar cases involving celebrity deaths and medical negligence.
