An Argentine court has declared a mistrial in the homicide case involving the medical team of the late football icon Diego Maradona, following the disqualification of one of the presiding judges. The decision came about after concerns were raised regarding Judge Julieta Makintach’s impartiality, particularly allegations that she allowed a documentary crew to film court proceedings.
Judge Makintach accepted her removal but affirmed her integrity, insisting that there were no grounds for claims of bias. She defended her actions, asserting that she only participated in an interview rather than authorising any misconduct.
With the trial now declared a mistrial, a new set of judges will be appointed to oversee the proceedings. The timeline for this new trial remains uncertain, but prosecutors indicate that the new court will evaluate evidence and potentially redefine charges, enabling them to restart the legal discussions from square one.
Fernando Burlando, a lawyer representing Maradona’s daughters, expressed hope that the new trial could expedite a resolution, aiming for a verdict by the end of the year. Both he and Dalma Maradona, one of the footballer’s daughters, have emphasised the importance of progressing the legal process surrounding her father’s death.
Maradona, who passed away at 60 from heart failure in November 2020, had recently undergone surgery for a subdural hematoma. A total of eight medical personnel are implicated in accusations of “simple homicide,” suggesting that negligence during Maradona’s home care may have contributed to his untimely death. The trial initially began in March for seven defendants, while the eighth is expected to face charges in a jury trial following the current proceedings. If found guilty, these individuals could face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.