Argentine Court Declares Mistrial in Maradona Case \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ An Argentine court declared a mistrial in the case involving seven medical professionals accused of negligence in Diego Maradona’s death. The ruling follows controversy over a judge’s involvement in a documentary about the trial. A new trial will be scheduled, casting uncertainty over the high-profile proceedings.
Quick Looks
- Mistrial declared in case against Maradona’s medical team.
- Judge Julieta Makintach recused over ethics concerns tied to documentary.
- Trial paused after 21 hearings and dozens of witness testimonies.
- New panel of judges to be selected by lottery.
- Medical team accused of culpable homicide after Maradona’s 2020 death.
- Maradona died from cardiac arrest after brain surgery recovery.
- Prosecutor cited unethical courthouse filming for TV-style series.
- Mistrial delays outcome, originally expected by July.
- Two of Maradona’s daughters wept in court following ruling.
- Defendants argue Maradona refused treatment and was hard to manage.
Deep Look
Mistrial Declared in Maradona Death Case After Judge’s Ethics Controversy
An Argentine court has abruptly declared a mistrial in the high-profile medical negligence case surrounding the death of soccer icon Diego Maradona, citing judicial misconduct that has further fueled a media frenzy around the case. The ruling resets months of proceedings that captivated Argentina and the global soccer community, with both legal and personal drama spilling into public view.
The decision came Thursday, after Judge Julieta Makintach—one of three magistrates overseeing the trial—stepped down following a growing ethics scandal linked to her role in an upcoming documentary series titled Divine Justice. The series, which dramatizes the legal saga following Maradona’s 2020 death, features Makintach in cinematic fashion, raising serious concerns about her impartiality and conduct during the closed-door trial.
Documentary Appearance Sparks Legal Fallout
The controversy erupted when prosecutors revealed a trailer for Divine Justice during court proceedings earlier this week. The 90-second teaser, presented as evidence, blended archival footage of Maradona’s greatest goals with stylized shots of Judge Makintach walking dramatically through courthouse corridors in high heels and a short skirt, set to a suspenseful soundtrack.
Prosecutors argued that Makintach had violated judicial ethics by participating in the filming, especially during closed sessions. They demanded an investigation into how camera crews were granted access to such sensitive moments.
Amid rising public outcry, Makintach resigned from the case on Tuesday, saying she had “no choice” but to withdraw.
By Thursday, the court declared a full mistrial. “Judge Makintach did not act impartially. Her conduct caused harm to both the plaintiffs and the defense,” said Judge Maximiliano Savarino. “The only person responsible is the recused judge.”
He added: “This is an unpleasant decision.”
The ruling throws the case into disarray. The trial, which began on March 11, had already held 21 hearings and called dozens of witnesses, including tearful family members, medical experts, and former staff. All proceedings will now be voided and a new trial will be scheduled, though no date has been confirmed. A higher court will select a new panel of judges “within a reasonable period of time,” according to the ruling.
A Case That Gripped a Nation
At the heart of the case are seven medical professionals accused of culpable homicide in Maradona’s death, which occurred on November 25, 2020. The soccer legend, 60, died of cardiac arrest while recovering from brain surgery at a rented home near Buenos Aires.
Prosecutors allege that Maradona’s care team—including his physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, nurses, and medical coordinator—failed to provide proper care in the weeks leading up to his death. Medical experts testified that Maradona was left in poor living conditions, isolated, and potentially in pain for over 12 hours without adequate supervision or intervention.
The charge of culpable homicide in Argentina is comparable to involuntary manslaughter and implies that the defendants acted recklessly despite knowing the risks. It carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
However, the defense has insisted that Maradona was a notoriously difficult patient, known for refusing treatment and resisting medical supervision. “He made it nearly impossible to help him,” said one of the defense lawyers during a previous hearing.
Family Reactions and National Tensions
The mistrial ruling sparked emotional reactions in court. Two of Maradona’s daughters, Gianinna and Dalma, wept openly as the decision was read. They have been outspoken in their belief that their father was neglected and failed by those entrusted with his care.
The case has captivated Argentina, where Maradona is viewed as more than a sports figure. A World Cup champion in 1986 and revered for his rise from poverty to global stardom, Maradona is considered a national hero whose death remains shrouded in both grief and controversy.
His life was marked by triumph on the field and turbulence off it—including battles with drug and alcohol addiction, medical crises, and ongoing legal disputes. The trial has mirrored that complexity, blending somber medical testimonies with theatrical media coverage and dramatic courtroom scenes.
What’s Next?
With the mistrial declared, the entire legal process resets. This includes the re-selection of judges, re-submission of evidence, and re-examination of witnesses. The timeline, once expected to conclude by July, is now entirely uncertain.
The documentary at the center of the scandal, Divine Justice, has yet to be released, but it’s already had a profound impact on the legal process it sought to portray. Analysts warn that it may influence public opinion further, possibly complicating efforts to conduct a neutral retrial.
Legal experts in Argentina say the case remains viable but faces significant hurdles. “Restarting a trial of this scale will be difficult, especially with public trust shaken,” said Buenos Aires legal analyst Florencia Mendez.
For now, the families of both the deceased and the accused must prepare to relive the painful saga, one more time.
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