In a dramatic turn of events, the trial of seven medical professionals involved in the care of Diego Maradona was declared a mistrial in Argentina. The defendants, charged with negligent homicide in relation to the footballing icon's death, faced significant challenges when it was revealed that Judge Julieta Makintach had participated in a documentary concerning the case, raising questions about judicial impartiality. The trial began on 11 March 2023, and had been expected to last until July.
Maradona's medical team consists of a neurosurgeon, a medical doctor, and a night nurse, who claim that the football star, who had been recovering from brain surgery for a blood clot, opted to refuse further treatment and signaled his preference to be at home following the surgery. Unfortunately, he succumbed to a heart attack in November 2020 at the age of 60. If convicted on the charges, the medical personnel could face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.
Tensions escalated in the courtroom when prosecuting attorney Patricio Ferrari accused Judge Makintach of unprofessional behavior, stating that she acted "like an actress and not a judge” after a trailer from the controversial documentary was shown. Defense lawyer Rodolfo Baque's outburst of “trash!” directed at the judge further intensified the atmosphere in the courtroom. Emotions ran high as Maradona's daughter Gianinna and former partner Veronica Ojeda were visibly affected by the footage presented.
Judicial rules were broken with the filming of the documentary without court consent, leading Makintach to excuse herself, necessitating a restart of proceedings. The trial had already witnessed testimony from nearly 50 witnesses, including Maradona's daughters, and while a new date for the retrial has yet to be established, the implications for the accused medical staff remain significant.
Maradona's medical team consists of a neurosurgeon, a medical doctor, and a night nurse, who claim that the football star, who had been recovering from brain surgery for a blood clot, opted to refuse further treatment and signaled his preference to be at home following the surgery. Unfortunately, he succumbed to a heart attack in November 2020 at the age of 60. If convicted on the charges, the medical personnel could face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.
Tensions escalated in the courtroom when prosecuting attorney Patricio Ferrari accused Judge Makintach of unprofessional behavior, stating that she acted "like an actress and not a judge” after a trailer from the controversial documentary was shown. Defense lawyer Rodolfo Baque's outburst of “trash!” directed at the judge further intensified the atmosphere in the courtroom. Emotions ran high as Maradona's daughter Gianinna and former partner Veronica Ojeda were visibly affected by the footage presented.
Judicial rules were broken with the filming of the documentary without court consent, leading Makintach to excuse herself, necessitating a restart of proceedings. The trial had already witnessed testimony from nearly 50 witnesses, including Maradona's daughters, and while a new date for the retrial has yet to be established, the implications for the accused medical staff remain significant.
