Buenos Aires | Arab Canada News

The Argentine judge Julieta Macri has officially announced her resignation from the presidency of the trial of the medical team accused in the case of the death of football legend Diego Armando Maradona, following the release of a controversial clip from a documentary in production that raised widespread debate and doubts about her judicial impartiality.

The video, which appeared as promotional material for a six-part documentary series, showed the judge walking through the halls of Buenos Aires court and conducting interviews in her office, alongside edited footage of Maradona and dramatic soundtrack music. The Public Prosecutor’s Office stated that what occurred constitutes a “clear violation” of Argentine judicial laws that prohibit judges from participating in media activities while cases are pending.

In a stormy session at the San Isidro court, Judge Maximiliano Savarino stated that “Judge Macri’s participation in the documentary undermines the principle of neutrality and directly affects the integrity of the trial,” officially announcing her resignation from the case and postponing the hearings until a replacement is appointed.

For her part, Judge Macri acknowledged that she was surprised by the magnitude of the reactions and stated that she found no choice but to withdraw, even though she did not believe there was any intention to harm the course of justice.

The case of Maradona’s death dates back to November 25, 2020, when he passed away at the age of 60 during his recovery at home after a head surgery. Members of the medical team face charges of gross negligence that led to his death, which could carry a sentence of up to 25 years in prison if convicted of “potential intentional homicide.”

This case is considered one of the most sensitive trials in the history of Argentine justice, given the legendary status Maradona holds in the hearts of Argentinians, amid widespread anticipation for the course of justice in a complex case that intersects medical responsibility with national symbolism.