The trial surrounding the death of football legend Diego Maradona has taken a significant turn. Maradona, who was a star player for Napoli and the Argentina national team, passed away at the age of 60 from a heart attack. He had been recovering at home in Buenos Aires after undergoing brain surgery for a blood clot in November 2020.
Currently, a neurosurgeon, a doctor, and a night nurse are facing trial for their alleged negligence in Maradona’s care. They argue that the former athlete refused further treatment and should have stayed at home longer after his surgery. If found guilty, they could face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years.
The trial has seen its share of drama. Recently, prosecutor Patricio Ferrari criticized Judge Mariana Makintach for participating in a documentary about the case, suggesting she acted more like an actress than a judge. Tensions escalated in the courtroom when defense lawyer Rodolfo Baque shouted "trash!" at the judge during the screening of the documentary trailer, titled "Divine Justice." This footage visibly upset Maradona’s daughter, Gianinna, and his former partner, Veronica Ojeda.
Filming the documentary without court permission is a breach of legal rules, leading to further complications in the trial. Following backlash over her involvement, Judge Makintach stated she had no choice but to step down from the case. As a result, the trial was adjourned, and a mistrial was declared.
Since the trial began, almost 50 witnesses have testified, including Maradona’s daughters. However, a new trial date has not yet been set, and new judges have not been appointed. The outcome of this case remains uncertain, but it continues to draw significant public interest, reflecting the lasting impact of Maradona’s legacy on football and beyond.