Judge Steps Down From Maradona Death Trial Amid Scandal

• May 28, 2025

One of the judges overseeing the trial into Diego Maradona’s death has stepped aside after a scandal raised questions about her impartiality. The trial was already suspended last week, and now the case remains uncertain as legal teams await further decisions.

Judge Julieta Makintach, part of a three-judge panel handling the high-profile case, is accused of being involved in a documentary about the trial. Her participation in the project has led to serious concerns, including possible breaches of judicial duty, influence peddling, and even bribery.

Makintach arrived at the San Isidro court, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, on May 27, 2025, for a hearing before stepping away from the proceedings. Her role in the documentary has triggered intense scrutiny from defense lawyers, who argue that her actions compromise the fairness of the trial.

The defense claims that a judge involved in any media production related to an ongoing case cannot remain neutral. They argue that this could unfairly influence public opinion and possibly the outcome of the trial itself. As a result, they requested that she be removed from the case.

Although she has not officially been removed, Makintach’s decision to step aside suggests the pressure around the situation is significant. If she is formally removed, the entire trial could be nullified, forcing the process to restart or potentially collapse entirely.

The trial is one of Argentina’s most closely watched legal battles, as it seeks to determine who, if anyone, is responsible for the football legend’s death. Maradona, who passed away in 2020, remains a deeply revered figure in Argentina and around the world.

The decision on whether Makintach will be officially removed from the case has not yet been made public. Legal experts say the outcome could have a major impact on the direction and legitimacy of the entire trial.

Until the matter is resolved, the trial remains on hold, with both sides preparing for the possibility of either resuming under a new panel or restarting from scratch.