Trial of Maradona's Medical Team Declared Mistrial Amid Controversy

The proceedings against seven members of Diego Maradona's medical staff, charged with negligent homicide in the wake of the football icon's death, have collapsed following revelations about a judge's participation in a documentary related to the case. The trial commenced on March 11 and was anticipated to continue until July. However, the trial will now need to start afresh after judge Julieta Makintach stepped down due to allegations of misconduct. Maradona passed away in November 2020 after suffering a heart attack while recovering from brain surgery, and his medical team faces serious allegations, including their assertion that the football star refused critical treatment. The trial has sparked deep emotions among Maradona's family, culminating in heated exchanges in court over the judge's actions, which included unauthorized filming of documentary material.

The trial, which began in March, was expected to reveal critical details about Maradona's final days and the decisions made by his medical staff. The situation intensified when prosecutor Patricio Ferrari accused Makintach of acting unprofessionally by participating in the documentary, titled "Divine Justice." This breach of ethical conduct led to a significant confrontation in court, with defense attorney Rodolfo Baque branding the judge's actions as disgraceful. With the trial now declared a mistrial, the timeline for a new hearing remains uncertain, along with the appointment of new judges. Following the initial proceedings, nearly 50 witnesses, including Maradona's daughters, had already provided their testimonies. The family is grappling with the emotional aftermath of the trial's collapse, as they continue to seek justice for the late football legend.