Buenos Aires (EFE).– A Buenos Aires judicial panel Tuesday dismissed Judge Julieta Makintach, who presided over the trial concerning the death of footballer Diego Maradona, for her unauthorized role in a documentary about the case.
The Judiciary Jury of the Buenos Aires Legislature removed Makintach, ruling that her actions constituted a severe ethical breach.
The judge, who did not attend the hearing, was also permanently disqualified from holding future judicial office.
Maradona’s youngest son, Diego Fernando, was present along with his mother, Verónica Ojeda.
The scandal erupted when it was revealed that Makintach had participated in a clandestine documentary project, titled “Divine Justice,” about the very trial she was overseeing.
The controversy led to the annulment of the proceedings in May.
According to the 115-page ruling, Makintach «provided essential support» to a film crew, allowing them «irregular access to the courtroom» and authorizing them to «clandestinely take images of the debate.»
The document states she «used the trial… to satisfy a purely personal interest.»
As a result of her dismissal, Makintach loses her privileged judicial pension but may still practice law.
A new trial to determine responsibilities for Maradona’s death in November 2020 is scheduled to begin on March 17, 2026.
Prosecution Lawyer Rodolfo Baqué said he will also equest the political trial for judges Verónica Di Tommaso and Maximiliano Savarino, who were part of the court along with Makintach. EFE
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