A lead judge in the high-profile trial over the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona has stepped down following a scandal that has cast doubt over the case’s future.
Judge Julieta Makintach, widely known as the “judge of God,” recused herself on Tuesday after revelations surfaced that she was involved in filming a provocative miniseries centered on the trial. The production, titled Divine Justice, reportedly includes dramatized and potentially unauthorized depictions of court proceedings — a possible violation of judicial ethics.
Maradona passed away in November 2020 at the age of 60 while recuperating from brain surgery. Seven members of his medical team are currently on trial, accused of criminal negligence for allowing him to recover under allegedly inadequate conditions at home.
The controversy erupted after a trailer for Divine Justice was played in court, showing Makintach walking through judicial chambers in high heels as voiceovers detailed the tragic end of the football icon. According to the script, the series would chronicle the investigation into Maradona’s death, highlighting “painful moments of abandonment” in his life.
Critics argued that the footage, which may have included unauthorized courtroom recordings, compromised the integrity of the proceedings. The courtroom was thrown into chaos during Tuesday’s hearing, with shouting, insults, and emotional outbursts. Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari accused Makintach of acting “like an actress, not a judge,” while defense lawyer Rodolfo Baque called the footage “trash” and erupted in protest.
Maradona’s daughter, Gianinna, tried to calm the room before breaking down in tears alongside her father’s former partner, Veronica Ojeda.
Eventually, Makintach, 47, sat silently with her head bowed and announced she would recuse herself from the case, one of three justices overseeing the trial.
Trial in Jeopardy
Her withdrawal has triggered further uncertainty over the already contentious trial. Critics say the scandal could derail the entire process, and some plaintiffs are now calling for a fresh start.
“This trial has been compromised,” said Mario Baudry, legal counsel for Ojeda. “The best course of action now is to begin again from scratch.”
The court is set to decide on Thursday whether to continue the current trial or declare a mistrial and restart the proceedings.
If found guilty, the defendants face between 8 and 25 years in prison for homicide with possible intent. Maradona’s family alleges he was left in a “dark, ugly, and lonely” environment by caregivers more interested in money than his well-being.
The case continues to draw international attention from football fans and legal observers alike.
