The trial concerning the medical team responsible for the care of famous football star Diego Maradona has suffered a major setback as it was announced that judicial irregularities necessitate a fresh start. Originally commenced on March 11, the trial aimed to investigate allegations of negligent homicide related to Maradona’s untimely passing in 2020, yet it was marred by controversy regarding one of the judges involved.
Seven medical professionals, including a neurosurgeon and a nursing staff member, are facing severe accusations linked to Maradona's death while he was recovering from brain surgery for a blood clot. The medical team insists that Maradona opted against additional medical attention and should have extended his recuperation period before resuming regular activities.
Tensions escalated in court earlier this week when Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari publicly criticized one of the judges, Julieta Makintach, alleging that she acted more like a performer than a judge following her participation in a documentary titled "Divine Justice." Outbursts from the defense lawyer, Rodolfo Baque, as a trailer for the documentary was screened during the hearing further fueled the courtroom drama, leading to emotional reactions from Maradona’s family present at the proceedings.
The trial has already taken testimonies from nearly 50 witnesses, including Maradona's daughters, yet the emergence of the judge's unauthorized engagement in the documentary, without prior court approval, prompted her resignation from the case. Consequently, the trial was suspended pending a decision, which resulted in the declaration of a mistrial.
Once a new date for the trial is confirmed, along with the appointment of new judges, the proceedings will resume in a quest for justice regarding the fate of Maradona’s medical care and the events that led to his death at the age of 60.
