BUENOS AIRES — The trial over Diego Maradona’s death has collapsed in dramatic fashion after one of the judges involved was revealed to have participated in a television documentary about the case.
The proceedings, which began in March and were expected to run until July, were declared a mistrial on Thursday. The decision followed days of mounting controversy surrounding Judge Julieta Makintach, who appeared in footage for a series titled Divine Justice filmed without court approval.
The collapse means the trial, which had already heard nearly 50 witnesses, including Maradona’s children, will have to start again. No new date has been set. A fresh panel of judges has yet to be appointed.
Seven members of Maradona’s medical team including a neurosurgeon, doctor and night nurse had been charged with negligent homicide. All deny wrongdoing. If convicted, they face between eight and 25 years in prison.
A Shock in the Courtroom
The scandal broke earlier this week when a trailer for Divine Justice was played in court. Emotions ran high. Defence lawyer Rodolfo Baque shouted “trash!” across the courtroom as scenes of Makintach speaking on camera rolled. Maradona’s daughter, Gianinna, and his former partner, Verónica Ojeda, were seen in tears.
Judge Makintach stepped down shortly afterwards, saying she had “no choice” but to withdraw from the case in light of the backlash. But the damage had already been done. The presiding judge ruled that the integrity of the trial had been compromised beyond repair.
A Judge or an Actress?
Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari did not hold back. “She behaved like an actress and not a judge,” he told the court, calling her appearance in the documentary a “serious breach of conduct.”
Court regulations strictly prohibit unauthorised filming of judicial proceedings. The documentary was reportedly filmed without any official clearance.
The controversy has raised fresh questions about Argentina’s judicial system and the media spectacle that continues to surround the late football legend’s final days.
Unanswered Questions About Maradona’s Death
Maradona, widely regarded as one of football’s all-time greats, died of a heart attack in November 2020 at the age of 60. He had been recovering at home in Buenos Aires following surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain.
His family and legal team have long claimed that he was left without proper medical supervision in the days leading to his death. The accused, however, argue that Maradona insisted on returning home early and refused further medical treatment.
The defence maintains that their clients did the best they could under difficult circumstances, caring for a man who was “uncooperative and determined to manage his own recovery.”
Restarting from Zero
The mistrial means a fresh start for what has already been a lengthy and emotionally charged process. Nearly three months of testimony, including painful recollections from Maradona’s relatives, have now been rendered void.
Legal experts say the new trial, once scheduled, could take even longer than originally planned. “This was always going to be a complicated case,” said Mariana Basualdo, a Buenos Aires-based criminal law specialist. “But now, it’s back to square one.”
For Maradona’s family, the wait for accountability continues. For the accused, their legal limbo stretches on. And for the Argentine justice system, the episode leaves an embarrassing stain.
