Judge Makintach resigns: scandal about Maradona process!

Judge Makintach resigns: scandal about Maradona process!

Buenos Aires, Argentinien - Judge Julieta Makintach resigned from a procedure yesterday that concerns the circumstances of the death of the legendary Argentine football player Diego Maradona. Her resignation from the negotiation process, which is led against seven members of the Maradona medical team, came after it appeared in a documentary about his death and its consequences. Court provisions prohibit judges during ongoing procedures of public comments or interviews, and Makintach was part of a three judge comprehensive committee that should evaluate the allegations against the medical team.

The seven defendant health workers were suspected of negligent killing. A conviction could lead to prison terms of up to 25 years. Maradona, a national icon, died of a heart attack in November 2020 at the age of 60, which was due to various health problems, including obesity, high blood pressure as well as alcohol and drug abuse. He was found in his bed lifeless, which resulted in a deep examination and the rolling out of his last years of life.

The resignation of the judge

Makintach's resignation was triggered, among other things, by a claim by the defendant Leopoldo Luque, Maradona's personal doctor, who had pointed out to a bias. According to Luques lawyer, the documentary was associated with the judge's brother, which increases the suspicion of a conflict of interest. It was also reported that a camera in the courtroom was approved to document the action in the process and appeared as a central figure in pictures of the film.

The public prosecutor has announced that over 190 witnesses, including relatives and former doctors from Maradona, will testify in the course of the procedure. Audion news indicates that the medical team was informed about the critical state of the player, which further confirms the allegations against them. Despite the severity of the accusations, many Argentinians do not believe that Maradona was deliberately left to die.

uncertain future of the procedure

The process that began on March 11 is now facing an uncertain future, since the lawyers and state authorities have to find a suitable successor for judge Makintach. Defense has always contested the allegations in relation to the treatment of Maradona and argues that the exact circumstances of his death were anything but clear.

The controversy around Maradona's circumstances and the behavior of the judge throw a shadow on the process, which not only raises legal, but also social and cultural issues in Argentina. Maradona remains a revered figure that is considered an adult hero for many Argentine, despite the difficult challenges with which he was faced in his last years.