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In a significant development, a judge in Argentina has recused herself from the trial concerning the alleged medical negligence in the death of legendary footballer Diego Maradona. The case focuses on the actions of seven medical professionals who are charged with negligent homicide following Maradona's passing in 2020. The accused, including a neurosurgeon, a doctor, and a night nurse, have denied the allegations.

Judge Julieta Makintach, one of the three judges presiding over the case, faced heavy criticism for her involvement in a documentary about the trial. Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari lambasted Makintach, accusing her of acting "like an actress and not a judge." This controversy led to Makintach excusing herself from the trial, which has now been adjourned. A decision is anticipated on Thursday regarding whether the trial will proceed with a new judge or start again from scratch.

Maradona had been recovering at his Buenos Aires home following surgery on a brain blood clot in November 2020, before succumbing to a heart attack at the age of 60. Prosecutors argue that his death was preventable and describe the medical care he received as "reckless, deficient and unprecedented." The seven members of Maradona's medical team claim that the football star refused further treatment and should have remained at home longer after his operation.

The much-anticipated trial began on March 11 and was expected to extend until July. However, its future is now uncertain. Judge Makintach stated that she had "no choice" but to step down from the case. The defense lawyer, Rodolfo Baque, vociferously objected during a court session that featured a trailer for the documentary series "Divine Justice," labeling it "trash."

Mario Baudry, a lawyer for one of Maradona's children, expressed the sentiment that the case had been "compromised" and suggested that it would be "healthiest to start over from scratch." The court will soon decide whether the trial can continue with a new judge or if it will need to restart entirely. Additionally, in July, an eighth member of Maradona's medical team is slated to face a separate trial by jury.