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Julieta Makintach’s fellow judges accused her of having “caused prejudice” to the proceedings due to involvement in a secret documentary
Julieta Makintach has expressed regret for her actions. (AP Photo)
The Argentine judge who caused the collapse of a trial concerning the 2020 death of football legend Diego Maradona resigned on Tuesday.
Julieta Makintach’s involvement in a secret documentary about the trial of Maradona’s medical team resulted in the proceedings being halted in May after two months of hearings.
Her fellow judges accused her of having “caused prejudice” to the proceedings, which included hours of painful, sometimes tearful, testimony from witnesses, including Maradona’s children.
No date has been set for a new trial, although a new three-judge bench has been appointed to hear the case.
In a letter to the governor of Buenos Aires, seen by AFP, Makintach, who had been facing impeachment proceedings, said she “regretted… the profound institutional and social impact” of her actions on a “very sensitive” trial.
She expressed her belief that her resignation would help restore confidence in the judiciary.
Maradona, considered one of the world’s greatest ever players, died in November 2020 at the age of 60 while recovering from brain surgery.
He died of heart failure and acute pulmonary edema—a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs—two weeks after undergoing surgery.
Seven medical professionals were put on trial over the conditions of his home convalescence, which prosecutors described as grossly negligent.
Maradona’s caregivers face prison terms of between eight and 25 years if convicted of “homicide with possible intent” for pursuing a course of action despite knowing it could lead to his death.
With AFP Inputs
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A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you live updates, breaking news, opinions and photos from the wide world of sport. Follow @News18Sports
- Location :
Buenos Aires, Argentina
- First Published:
