Judge in Diego Maradona case accused of behaving like an 'actress'

Judge in Diego Maradona case accused of behaving like an 'actress'

45 minutes ago Share Save Victoria Bourne BBC News Share Save

Getty Images Diego Maradona pictured months before his death in 2020 at the age 60

A judge in Argentina has stood down from the trial of Diego Maradona's medical staff after being criticised for taking part in a documentary about the case. Seven members of the legendary footballer's medical team have been charged with negligent homicide relating to his death in 2020. They deny the allegations. Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari accused Judge Julieta Makintach of behaving "like an actress and not a judge". She was one of three judges in the case which has been adjourned. A decision about whether a new trial will be ordered will be made on Thursday.

Maradona had been recovering at his home in Buenos Aires from surgery on a brain blood clot in November 2020 when he died of a heart attack, aged 60. Prosecutors allege his death could have been avoided and describe the care given as "reckless, deficient and unprecedented". The medical team on trial includes a neurosurgeon, a doctor and a night nurse. They claim the football star refused further treatment and should have stayed at home for longer after his operation. If convicted, they face between eight and 25 years in prison. The long-awaited trial began on 11 March and was expected to last until July however its future has been thrown into doubt. Judge Makintach said she had "no choice" but to excuse herself from the case.

AFP via Getty Images Judge Julieta Makintach had denied authorising filming inside the Buenos Aires court but her credibility was questioned after footage from a trailer emerged

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