ARGENTINE COURT HALTS MARADONA DEATH TRIAL OVER JUDGE’S IMPARTIALITY CONCERNS
Read Time:2 Minute, 9 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
The trial of the medical team accused of criminal negligence in the death of football legend Diego Maradona was suspended on Tuesday following concerns over the impartiality of one of the judges presiding over the case.
The court in San Isidro, a suburb of Buenos Aires, paused the two-month-old proceedings for one week after defense lawyers argued that Judge Julieta Makintach’s alleged involvement in a documentary related to the case may have compromised her neutrality. They also raised allegations of potential influence peddling and bribery.
Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari described the development as a matter of “institutional gravity,” while the court confirmed the trial would resume on May 27.
The defense motion to have Judge Makintach recused came amid concerns that cameras had been used inside the courtroom, potentially violating a strict ban on filming the trial. The prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation to determine whether the rule was breached and whether Makintach played any role.
“I understand the concerns of all,” the judge told the court. “But I am convinced of my impartiality.” She added that she would consider stepping down if reasonable doubt persisted.
The trial centers on the actions of seven members of Maradona’s medical team, who are charged with “homicide with possible intent” for allegedly failing to provide adequate care to the football icon in the days leading to his death. If convicted, the defendants face prison terms ranging from 8 to 25 years.
Maradona died on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60, from heart failure and acute pulmonary edema while recuperating at a private home in Tigre, outside Buenos Aires. He had recently undergone brain surgery for a blood clot and was recovering under limited medical supervision.
The prosecution argues that Maradona’s home care was grossly inadequate, with insufficient medical equipment and monitoring, despite his fragile condition. The trial so far has spotlighted the decision to forgo hospitalization and instead allow Maradona to convalesce at home.
Last week, his daughter Gianinna Maradona delivered emotional testimony, accusing his carers of neglect and suggesting they were more interested in financial gain than in her father’s health. She described the home where he died as “a dark, ugly and lonely” place.
Only one of the seven defendants, Maradona’s psychiatrist has taken the stand so far.
The football world was shaken by Maradona’s death, which occurred in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tens of thousands of grieving fans paid their respects as his body lay in state at Argentina’s presidential palace.
AFP
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0