An Argentine judge has been removed from her position after her involvement in a documentary about a high-profile case led to a mistrial.
On Tuesday, a special panel consisting of judges, provincial legislators, and lawyers dismissed Julieta Makintach, 48, from her post. She is now disqualified from holding any other future judicial position.
Makintach was one of three presiding judges in the trial. That trial, which has now been annulled, focused on the alleged negligence of football icon Diego Maradona’s medical team following his death in 2020.
Ethical Breach Causes Mistrial
The controversy began when it was discovered that Judge Makintach had been interviewed for a television miniseries focused on the very case she was judging. She subsequently recused herself, acknowledging that her participation potentially violated several judicial ethics rules.
Footage allegedly showing her interview with the film crew on the eve of the trial had been shared in the local media. Makintach had previously denied authorizing or participating in any filming related to the documentary.
Maradona died on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60, due to acute pulmonary edema and heart failure. This occurred two weeks after he underwent brain surgery for a blood clot. He had spent decades battling severe alcohol and cocaine addictions. He was found deceased in his bed by a day nurse.
Charges Against the Medical Team
Maradona’s medical team is currently facing trial over the inadequate conditions of his recovery at a private residence. Prosecutors have characterized the care provided in his final days as grossly negligent.
The central issue of the case has focused on the decision by Maradona’s doctors to allow him to recuperate at home with minimal medical equipment and supervision, rather than insisting on a proper medical facility.
The defendants risk prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years if they are convicted of “homicide with possible intent”—pursuing a course of action despite knowing it could fatally endanger the patient.
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