An Argentine judicial official was dismissed from her position on Tuesday after her participation in a documentary sparked a mistrial in the negligence case against the late football legend Diego Maradona’s medical team.
Julieta Makintach, 48, was removed from her post by a special panel comprising judges, lawyers, and provincial legislators, and has been barred from serving in any future judicial roles.
Makintach was one of three judges presiding over the trial, which was annulled following Maradona’s death in 2020. The case examined the circumstances of his care while recovering from brain surgery to remove a blood clot, amidst a long history of substance abuse.
She stepped aside after it emerged that she had been interviewed for a documentary about the trial, raising concerns of potential ethical violations. Makintach had denied any involvement or authorization of filming, but Argentine media circulated footage showing her speaking to a film crew just before the trial began.
Maradona passed away on November 25, 2020, at age 60, from heart failure and acute pulmonary edema, two weeks after his operation. His day nurse discovered his body at home.
The medical team faced trial for allegedly providing negligent care during his recovery at a private residence. Prosecutors described the management of Maradona’s final days as grossly irresponsible, asserting that the doctors knowingly exposed him to life-threatening risks.
If convicted, the defendants could face prison terms ranging from eight to 25 years for “homicide with possible intent.” The case primarily focuses on the decision to allow Maradona to convalesce at home with limited supervision and inadequate medical equipment, instead of in a hospital setting.
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