Legal Proceedings for Maradona Suspended Following Judge's Departure - Trial proceeds for Maradona after the referee backs out
The trial of Diego Maradona's medical team faces an uncertain future following the withdrawal of Judge Julieta Makintach. On Tuesday, the presiding judge at the San Isidro court in Buenos Aires revealed that she had seen sufficient indications of Makintach's potential bias, casting doubt on her impartiality.
The controversy erupted after Makintach's involvement in a documentary series named "Divine Justice" was exposed. The series follows Makintach as the main figure and centers around the trial, including details of Maradona's death. A trailer for the miniseries was screened in the courtroom on Tuesday, with footage showing Makintach rushing through the courthouse corridors in high heels.
Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari expressed his disapproval of Makintach's behavior, calling it unseemly for a judge. Maradona's daughter Giannina and ex-partner Veronica Ojeda were visibly moved by the video material, while Makintach sat on the bench with her head bowed. Following these developments, Makintach requested to withdraw from the trial, stating that she had no other option.
The controversy has potentially derailed the trial, which is keenly watched by football fans worldwide. The court will make a decision on Thursday about whether to replace Makintach or restart the trial with three new judges. Most of the parties involved advocate for a retrial.
Maradona passed away on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60 due to heart failure and pulmonary edema. He was undergoing care in a rental apartment in an upscale neighborhood north of Buenos Aires following a brain operation. The prosecution accuses his doctors and caregivers of negligent care, effectively causing his death.
Maradona's daughter Gianinna accuses the defendants of placing her father in a "dark, ugly, and lonely" environment, while they were more preoccupied with his wealth than his well-being. If convicted, the seven defendants could face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years. All defendants deny any responsibility for Maradona's demise.
Maradona is deeply revered in Argentina, and his death during the COVID-19 crisis triggered widespread mourning in the South American country and among football fans worldwide. A mausoleum on a one-thousand-square-meter plot in Puerto Madero, a tourist district of Buenos Aires, is set to be constructed for Maradona this year. It is anticipated that up to one million people may visit the memorial site annually.
- The withdrawal of Judge Julieta Makintach from the Diego Maradona trial has left the future of the medical team's trial uncertain, following her perceived bias and involvement in the "Divine Justice" documentary series.
- Maximiliano Savarino, the producer of the "Divine Justice" documentary series, may have unintentionally caused a stir in the high-profile trial, as the series, set to air on European leagues and general-news channels, potentially influenced Judge Makintach's impartiality.
- With the removal of Judge Makintach and the upcoming court decision on Thursday, there is a possibility that the trial may restart with three new judges, as football fans worldwide, including those in San Isidro and Buenos Aires, await the verdict in the Maradona trial, centering around the allegations of negligent care leading to his death.
