After significant witness testimonies, the proceedings will need to restart following a breach of conduct by the presiding judge.
**Maradona Medical Team Trial Declared Mistrial Over Judge's Conflict**
**Maradona Medical Team Trial Declared Mistrial Over Judge's Conflict**
The trial involving the medical team of legendary footballer Diego Maradona has imploded due to a judge's involvement in a documentary.
Seven members of Diego Maradona's medical team were charged with negligent homicide in the wake of the football legend's 2020 death, but the trial has been deemed a mistrial due to a scandal involving one of the judges. The judge, Julieta Makintach, has recently stepped down after it was discovered she participated in a documentary about the case. This situation arose during the trial, which began on March 11 and was slated to continue until July, after more than 50 witnesses, including Maradona's daughters, had already testified.
Maradona passed away at the age of 60 after a heart attack while recovering from brain surgery for a blood clot. The medical staff in question, including a neurosurgeon and a nurse, are pleading not guilty, arguing that Maradona had declined further treatment and had been advised to rest longer post-operation. If convicted of negligent homicide, they could face significant prison time, ranging from eight to 25 years.
Tensions escalated in the courtroom when a trailer for the documentary, titled "Divine Justice," was displayed. Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari accused Makintach of acting unprofessionally, while defense attorney Rodolfo Baque denounced her with a shout of "trash!" as the footage was played. Emotional scenes ensued, notably when Maradona's former partner and daughter broke down upon viewing the video.
The incident constituted a violation of court rules considering the lack of permission for filming within the court. After the backlash from the courtroom incident, Judge Makintach resigned from the case, leading to the mistrial. As it stands, a timeline for a new trial has not been established, and new judges have yet to be appointed to oversee the proceedings.
Maradona passed away at the age of 60 after a heart attack while recovering from brain surgery for a blood clot. The medical staff in question, including a neurosurgeon and a nurse, are pleading not guilty, arguing that Maradona had declined further treatment and had been advised to rest longer post-operation. If convicted of negligent homicide, they could face significant prison time, ranging from eight to 25 years.
Tensions escalated in the courtroom when a trailer for the documentary, titled "Divine Justice," was displayed. Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari accused Makintach of acting unprofessionally, while defense attorney Rodolfo Baque denounced her with a shout of "trash!" as the footage was played. Emotional scenes ensued, notably when Maradona's former partner and daughter broke down upon viewing the video.
The incident constituted a violation of court rules considering the lack of permission for filming within the court. After the backlash from the courtroom incident, Judge Makintach resigned from the case, leading to the mistrial. As it stands, a timeline for a new trial has not been established, and new judges have yet to be appointed to oversee the proceedings.
