The trial of Diego Maradona's medical staff has collapsed after a judge involved in the case was found to have taken part in a documentary about it.
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- Argentina legend Maradona died in 2020
- Judge Julieta Makintach stepped down over documentary
- Trial will have to restart from beginning
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WHAT HAPPENED?
An Argentine court declared a mistrial on Thursday in the case of seven healthcare professionals who were accused of negligence in the death of legendary World Cup winner Diego Maradona. Judge Julieta Makintach stepped down earlier this week after it emerged she had taken part in a documentary about the case.
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- AFP
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The trial began on March 11 and was expected to last until until July, but it will have to start over again after the recent revelations. A trailer for the documentary, called Divine Justice, was played in court and was audibly criticised by defence lawyer Rodolfo Baque, who shouted "trash" at Makintach.
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WHAT MARADONA'S FAMILY SAID
Speaking after the ruling, the late icon's daughter, Jana Maradona, said: "I'm angry, I'm angry, I hate them."
"I trust we could have a sentence by the end of the year," added Fernando Burlando, a lawyer for Dalma and Gianinna Maradona.
- Hulton Archive
WHAT NEXT?
Maradona was recovering at home after brain surgery for a blood clot when he died of a heart attack at the age of 60. A date for the new trial has not yet been announced and no new judges have been nominated. The seven members of his medical team who were charged with negligent homicide were facing sentences of between eight and 25 years.
