Maradona Death Trial Suspended Over Doubts About Judge’s Impartiality

The trial of the medical team accused of negligence in the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona has been suspended for a week following questions about a judge’s impartiality. The Argentine court made the decision on Tuesday amid claims that Judge Julieta Makintach may have breached ethical guidelines through her reported involvement in a documentary related to the case.

The suspension comes two months into the high-profile trial taking place in the Buenos Aires suburb of San Isidro. Prosecutors are pursuing charges against seven members of Maradona’s medical team, who face potential sentences of eight to 25 years in prison for “homicide with possible intent.”

Maradona Trial Paused as Judiciary Faces Scrutiny

Concerns were raised by defence lawyers who claimed that Judge Makintach’s alleged participation in a media project covering the case compromised her objectivity. The lawyers argue that this involvement may constitute improper conduct, possible influence peddling, and even bribery.

Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari confirmed the one-week halt, citing the need to address “an issue of institutional gravity.” The presiding judge, Maximiliano Savarino, ruled that the trial would resume on May 27, once the matter has been adequately reviewed.

The core of the issue involves the suspected use of cameras inside the courtroom, potentially violating a judicial order that banned any form of filming during proceedings. An investigation is underway to determine whether the rule was broken and whether Judge Makintach had any role in authorizing or enabling the footage.

In her response, Makintach acknowledged the gravity of the allegations and said, “I can understand the concerns of all,” but maintained her impartiality. She added that she would consider stepping down if doubts regarding her neutrality persisted.

Maradona’s Final Days Under Scrutiny

Diego Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, died on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60. He passed away from heart failure and acute pulmonary edema while recovering at home following surgery for a blood clot on the brain. His long history of substance abuse and health complications made his death all the more tragic.

Also Read: Fuelled by Dreams: Lady Du Joins the Dream Drive Movement

The football icon was found dead in bed by his day nurse at a private residence in the Tigre suburb of Buenos Aires. The medical team overseeing his care during this recovery period is now on trial, accused of gross negligence and contributing to conditions that led to his death.

Prosecutors argue that the decision to let Maradona recover at home rather than in a properly equipped medical facility was reckless. They allege that the minimal oversight, combined with a lack of medical infrastructure and critical care, played a direct role in the deterioration of his health.

The seven defendants include Maradona’s doctors, psychiatrist, nurses, and other caregivers. So far, only his psychiatrist has testified in court.

Maradona’s daughter, Gianinna Maradona, delivered emotional testimony last week, painting a bleak picture of her father’s final days. She described his recovery environment as “dark, ugly, and lonely,” and suggested that some caregivers were more focused on financial gain than her father’s well-being.

Gianinna’s words reinforced the prosecution’s narrative that the footballer was neglected in his final days by those responsible for his care. Her testimony added further weight to public outrage over the circumstances surrounding Maradona’s death.

The case has gripped Argentina and football fans worldwide. Maradona’s death triggered a wave of national mourning at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tens of thousands of Argentinians lined up outside the Casa Rosada—the presidential palace—to pay their final respects as his body lay in state.

As the trial resumes later this month, all eyes will be on the court’s handling of the impartiality issue and the remaining testimonies from the defence. The outcome of the case could set a legal precedent for medical accountability in high-profile deaths.

The suspension of the trial also highlights the delicate balance courts must maintain in the age of media scrutiny and public interest. For now, justice for Diego Maradona—both as a global icon and as a patient—remains on hold.

Source- EWN