Judge Steps Down From Maradona Death Trial Amid Concerns Over Impartiality

 

A judge overseeing the criminal proceedings into the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona has stepped down following concerns about her impartiality.

Judge Julieta Makintach was officially removed from the case by an Argentine court after a motion was filed by the defense team of neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, one of the eight medical professionals charged in connection with Maradona’s death. The request cited potential bias and alleged that the judge had authorized the filming of a documentary during court proceedings.

Makintach accepted the court’s decision, though she firmly defended her actions. She acknowledged that her brother is a partner at a production company mentioned in the case, but insisted it had no connection to any potential documentary about Maradona.

“My impartiality is not at stake. There is no suspicion of a lack of neutrality because there is nothing to suggest that,” she said on Tuesday. “I regret this interruption of the debate. I hope we all seek a fair legal path.”

This development follows a one-week suspension of the trial, which was paused to allow a review of Makintach’s connections to any production companies. The concern stemmed from possible conflicts of interest that could compromise the integrity of the trial.

The legal proceedings are centered around the death of Diego Maradona, who passed away in November 2020 from heart failure at the age of 60. A national icon and hero for leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986, Maradona's death sparked widespread mourning and a high-profile investigation.

Argentine prosecutors have charged eight members of his medical team with "simple homicide," alleging negligence in his care during the days leading up to his death. The trial for seven of the defendants began in March, while the eighth will be tried separately by a jury after the initial proceedings conclude. If convicted, the accused could face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.