An Argentine judge, Julieta Makintach, has been removed from her position following a scandal that forced a mistrial in the case against football legend Diego Maradona’s medical team.
Makintach’s removal comes after her participation in a documentary titled “Divine Justice”, which prosecutors say compromised her judicial impartiality. She allowed a film crew into courthouse areas without permission and appeared in scenes that blurred the lines between judge and media figure.
Her conduct led the court to declare a mistrial in May, nullifying all proceedings that had taken place over two months and dozens of witness testimonies. Judge Maximiliano Savarino, who presided at the hearing, criticized her behaviour as prejudicial to both the defense and prosecution.
Makintach submitted her resignation in June, acknowledging the “institutional and social impact” of the controversy. A special panel of judges and legislators later voted unanimously to fire her and bar her from holding judicial posts in future.
The case, in which seven members of Maradona’s medical team face charges of “simple homicide with potential intent” will now restart with a new panel of judges.
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