Trial Accusing Diego Maradona's Doctors Of Medical Negligence Gets Scrapped

After weeks of hearings and testimony from over 40 witnesses, an Argentine court on Thursday nullified the trial of late football legend Diego Maradona’s medical team due to a scandal over a TV miniseries.

A new trial will start from scratch with three new judges, further delaying the case that has been ongoing since Maradona’s death in 2020, allegedly due to medical negligence.

Judge Julieta Makintach stepped down after it was revealed she was involved in a documentary about the case, potentially violating ethics rules.

Her colleague, Judge Maximiliano Savarino, annulled the trial on Thursday, stating Makintach’s actions had “caused prejudice" to proceedings. Witnesses, including Maradona’s children, had already provided hours of emotional testimony.

“I am not calm. I am angry. I hate them!" said Maradona’s daughter, Jana Maradona, outside the court Thursday.

Ex-partner Veronica Ojeda called the events “outrageous" but added, “If I have to do it (testify) a thousand times more, I will."

Maradona, one of the world’s greatest players, died in November 2020 at age 60 while recovering from brain surgery. He died of heart failure and acute pulmonary edema two weeks after surgery. His seven-person medical team is on trial for gross negligence in his home care.

Prosecutors allege Maradona was abandoned to his fate for a “prolonged, agonizing period" before his death. Daughter Gianinna Maradona told the court her father was kept in “a dark, ugly and lonely" place, with carers more interested in money than his welfare.

The trial faced a setback when Makintach was scrutinized for alleged unauthorized filming. She denied wrongdoing, but after police raids and a suspension of proceedings, evidence questioned her conduct.

A trailer for a TV show, “Divine Justice," was played in court, showing Makintach in the courthouse. The footage, which included unauthorized recordings, sparked an uproar.

Makintach has been suspended and is being investigated for violating impartiality, influence peddling, and possibly bribery.

The prosecution, complainants, and most defense lawyers called for new judges and a retrial. No date has been set, but the prosecution hopes for a restart this year. Appeals could delay proceedings, with judges chosen by an internal court lottery.

Maradona’s caregivers risk prison terms of eight to 25 years if convicted of “homicide with possible intent" for pursuing actions despite knowing the risks to Maradona’s life.

(witha agency inputs)