Trial on Maradona's death: Unexpected shifts with judge's departure
Judge Julieta Makintach, overseeing the trial regarding the death of Argentine football icon Diego Maradona, stepped down due to allegations of bias. Makintach is accused of participating in a TV documentary about the case without permission, raising concerns about her impartiality.
Prosecutors argued that Makintach's actions were detrimental to the fairness of the trial, stating that she behaved more like an actress than a judge. This accusation prompted her to recuse herself from the proceedings.
In her statement, Makintach acknowledged the recusal request and expressed hope that the trial could continue without her involvement. The trial, which began in March, involves seven medical professionals accused of negligence leading to Maradona's heart attack-induced death at the age of 60 in late 2020, following brain surgery.
With Makintach's withdrawal, the court has adjourned the trial to determine whether it can proceed with a new judge or if the entire trial needs to be restarted. The decision will influence the speed and integrity of the judicial process.
The trial has been ongoing in San Isidro, north of Buenos Aires. Prosecutors claim that Maradona's care during home hospitalization was 'reckless, deficient, and unprecedented,' potentially avoiding his death[1][2]. If convicted, the medical professionals face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.
Sources: ntv.de, tno/dpa
[1] McKay, J. (2021, February 1). Who is on trial in the Diego Maradona death case and what are the charges? The Guardian. Retrieved from: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/feb/01/who-is-on-trial-in-the-diego-maradona-death-case-and-what-are-the-charges
[2] Fox, S. (2021, February 3). Diego Maradona doctor trial: Argentine football legend's care was 'reckless and deficient', court hears. The Telegraph. Retrieved from: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2021/02/03/diego-maradona-doctor-trial-argentine-football-legend-care/
- Despite the ongoing trial of the medical professionals implicated in Diego Maradona's death, the Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the application of new rules that might impact sports-analysis, including football and European-leagues, such as Laliga.
- As sports enthusiasts back home eagerly await the return of football matches in European-leagues like Laliga after the pandemic-induced hiatus, the proceedings in the Diego Maradona trial continue to captivate public interest.
- The Commission, in light of the ongoing Diego Maradona trial, may consider the impact of potentially stricter regulations on the behavior of judges and their involvement in cases with public interest, such as sports controversies or high-profile personalities, to uphold the integrity and fairness of the judicial process.
