Trial for Maradona’s death: Suspended after allegations of bias
The trial against seven healthcare professionals accused of negligence in the death of Diego Armando Maradona has been suspended for a week. The decision was made after the impartiality of one of the judges was questioned and the filming of a documentary about the case was authorized.
Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari requested the suspension, which will extend until May 27. During this period, the court will review the role of Judge Julieta Makintach, who allegedly allowed the filming of a documentary during the hearings. Makintach, one of the three judges handling the case, has denied any wrongdoing.
The situation compromises the prestige of the judiciary.
Patricio Ferrari
The lawyers representing Maradona’s family joined the request for the prosecutor’s suspension. Fernando Burlando, lawyer for two of the former soccer player’s daughters, stated that this temporary pause will allow for “serenity, exhaustiveness, and the continuation of the process.”
Last week, the lawyer for Leopoldo Luque, Maradona’s main doctor at the time of his death and one of the main defendants, had requested the dismissal of Makintach, arguing a lack of impartiality in the process.
Julio Rivas, Luque’s lawyer, stated that he had been contacted by a British production company for an interview related to a documentary about the trial. In addition, he indicated that he had information about the production company’s association with Juan Makintach, the judge’s brother.
Maradona, who led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup, died on November 25, 2020, while receiving home medical care outside Buenos Aires. His death occurred days after undergoing surgery for a hematoma.
The seven healthcare professionals face charges for not having provided adequate care and could be sentenced to a maximum of 25 years in prison.
