May 29, 2025 — An Argentine court has declared a mistrial in the high-profile case against seven medical professionals accused of negligence in the death of football legend Diego Maradona. The decision follows the resignation of Judge Julieta Makintach over ethical concerns related to her involvement in a documentary about the case.
Background of the Case
Diego Maradona, revered globally for his football prowess, passed away on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60, due to cardiac arrest while recovering from brain surgery at his home in Tigre, Buenos Aires. His death prompted widespread mourning and led to an investigation into the medical care he received in his final days
In June 2022, a judge ruled that eight medical personnel should face trial for criminal negligence and homicide in regards to Maradona’s death. The trial commenced on March 11, 2025, in San Isidro, Buenos Aires, with seven medical professionals—including Maradona’s personal doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, and nurses—facing charges of “simple homicide with eventual intent,” a charge implying awareness of risk and indifference to the potential outcome. If convicted, they could face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.
Judge’s Involvement in Documentary Leads to Mistrial
The trial’s integrity came into question when it was revealed that Judge Julieta Makintach participated in filming a documentary titled “Divine Justice” about the case. A trailer for the documentary showed Judge Makintach being interviewed within the courthouse premises, a breach of judicial conduct rules that prohibit such activities. The defense and prosecution both raised concerns about her impartiality, leading to her resignation from the case.
Following her resignation, the remaining judges, Maximiliano Savarino and Verónica Di Tomasso, declared the trial null and void, citing the compromised impartiality of the proceedings. Judge Savarino stated, “Judge Makintach did not act impartially. Her conduct caused harm both to the prosecution and to the defense.”
Reactions from Legal Representatives and Family
Defense attorney Miguel Ángel Pierri described the situation as “a great embarrassment,” emphasizing the disruption caused by the judge’s actions.
Verónica Ojeda, Maradona’s former partner, expressed her disappointment, stating, “I am saddened because this means five years of work have been thrown in the trash. They mocked us.”
Fernando Burlando, lawyer for Maradona’s daughters, Dalma and Gianinna, remains hopeful for a resolution, saying, “I trust we could have a sentence by the end of the year.”
Next Steps in the Legal Process
With the mistrial declared, the case will need to be retried from the beginning. A higher court is expected to appoint a new panel of judges by lottery, but no specific timeline has been provided for when the new trial will commence.
The retrial is anticipated to revisit the extensive testimonies and evidence presented in the initial proceedings, which included accounts from nearly 50 witnesses, among them Maradona’s family members. The case continues to captivate public attention, reflecting the enduring impact of Maradona’s legacy and the quest for accountability in his untimely death.
As the legal process unfolds, the world watches closely, awaiting justice for one of football’s most iconic figures.
