A surprise twist has emerged in the case involving soccer legend Diego Maradona, as an Argentinian court has declared a mistrial following charges against seven healthcare professionals.
Maradona, a World Cup winner with Argentina and a worldwide icon, passed away in late 2020 following brain surgery. Members of his medical team were charged with negligent homicide in March, having been accused of failing to provide proper care for the former attacking midfielder in his final days.
The mistrial resulted from one of the three judges involved in the case stepping down after criticism for participating in an upcoming documentary about the trial.
On Tuesday, Julieta Makintach said she had no choice but to withdraw from the case after appearing in a trailer for the documentary outlining the aftermath of Maradona’s death. Makintach, who’s accused of behaving like an actress, features as a primary protagonist.
Diego Maradona Trial To Resume At An Unknown Date
Makintach’s decision meant the court would either have to appoint a new judge or restart the case. The judges opted to start the case from scratch but did not provide a specific date.
Defense attorney Miguel Angel Pierri said it was “all a great embarrassment.”
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral Soccer stories via Google! Follow Us
The defendants were facing prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years and have all pleaded not guilty to charges of simple homicide with eventual intent.
Diego Maradona led his country to World Cup success in 1986 and was jointly named FIFA Player of the 20th Century alongside Brazilian legend Pele. He won two Serie A titles and a UEFA Cup with Napoli after winning the Copa Del Rey and Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona.
He passed away in Buenos Aires on November 25, 2020, a few days after a surgery for a hematoma between his skull and brain.
Also Read: Funeral Worker Apologizes As Photos Surface of Him Posing With Diego Maradona’s Body
