Prosecutors demand removal of judge involved in secret Maradona documentary
Judge Julieta Makintach faces dismissal for alleged involvement in unauthorised film that led to the annulment of the trial into Diego Maradona’s death; Family says accused lied to them, stating she wasn’t involved in documentary.
Prosecutors in Buenos Aires Province have called for the removal of a judge whose involvement in a secret documentary forced the collapse of a trial into late footballer Diego Maradona’s death.
Judge Julieta Makintach participated in the clandestine documentary about Diego Maradona’s death, triggering a mistrial and compromising the integrity of Argentina’s judiciary, prosecutors alleged.
General Prosecutor Analía Duarte told the provincial Supreme Court in La Plata that Makintach “lied, manipulated proceedings, abused her authority and used public resources for personal benefit.”
The complaint alleges the documentary project was under the judge’s “supervision and control,” a claim she denies.
The scandal erupted in May when footage surfaced in local media showing Makintach in a starring role in a film chronicling the case against the seven members of Maradona’s medical team, accused of responsibility in his 2020 death.
The revelation prompted her immediate removal and the annulment of the proceedings, which had already included 21 hearings and 44 witness statements, among them the emotional testimony of Maradona’s daughters Dalma, Gianinna and Jana.
During this week’s impeachment hearings, Gianinna Maradona said the judge had personally assured her there was no documentary being filmed.
“She swore on her children and I believed her,” Maradona’s daughter told the court, recalling her shock when the footage was screened.
Her sister Dalma had also been expected to testify but withdrew at the courthouse.
Makintach denied wrongdoing, insisting she had merely granted an interview requested by “a friend” and had been unaware it would become part of a documentary.
“It was a stone I stumbled over without understanding the consequences,” she claimed, adding she regretted the mistrial.
Lawyers for the plaintiffs have backed the prosecution’s request for her removal, saying the judge had attempted to mislead all parties.
The impeachment process concluded on Thursday, with a verdict expected next week.
If removed, Makintach could be barred from judicial office.
A new trial over Maradona’s death – he died on November 25, 2020, while recovering from brain surgery at home – has been scheduled for March 17, 2026.
Seven healthcare professionals accused of homicide with *dolus eventualis* will be retried; a nurse will face a separate proceeding.
– TIMES/AFP