An Argentine court has declared a mistrial in the case involving seven health professionals accused of criminal negligence in the death of football icon Diego Maradona. This development occurred after one of the three presiding judges overseeing the trial withdrew from the proceedings.
The judge, Julieta Makintach, stepped down following controversy surrounding her involvement as a key figure in a documentary chronicling the case. Titled `Divine Justice`, the film covered events from the immediate aftermath of Maradona`s passing in 2020 through the initial stages of the trial.
Makintach`s participation in the documentary led to criticism and prompted prosecutor Patricio Ferrari to request a review by the San Isidro court regarding her alleged role in permitting filming during the trial. This ultimately resulted in her withdrawal on Tuesday and the subsequent declaration of a mistrial on Thursday.
The mistrial invalidates all legal proceedings that had taken place since March 11th, effectively resetting the case. A higher court will now select three new judges through a lottery system. A date for the retrial has not yet been determined.
The case focuses on seven members of Maradona`s medical team who are accused of failing to provide adequate care. Maradona died in November 2020 at the age of 60 from cardiac arrest while recovering from surgery for a blood clot on his brain. The defendants include his primary physician, Leopoldo Luque, as well as his psychologist, psychiatrist, a medical coordinator, and several nurses. All defendants have denied the accusations of negligence, asserting that Maradona was a difficult patient who often refused treatment and medical advice.
Diego Maradona is a legendary figure in football history, celebrated globally and a national hero in Argentina. He famously captained Argentina to victory in the 1986 FIFA World Cup and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
