The disciplinary trial against Judge Julieta Makintach for her involvement in an unauthorized documentary on the Maradona case progressed with testimonies complicating her position but was suspended on Friday due to a power outage. Witnesses including prosecutors, police, and a cameraman confirmed she authorized the recordings. The hearing will resume on Monday, November 10.
Judge Julieta Makintach, 48, is facing a disciplinary jury in La Plata over the scandal that erupted in May 2025, when images of her in a documentary titled 'Justicia Divina' during the trial for Diego Armando Maradona's death were revealed. This led to her recusal and the annulment of the proceedings, which included 21 hearings and 44 witness statements. The new trial against the seven accused health professionals will resume on March 17, 2026.
In the first two days of the jury, held in the Basement of the Annex to the Buenos Aires Senate Chamber, Makintach defended herself by stating: 'It was a stone I stumbled over without gauging the consequences. I wish someone had come to tell me "you're putting the debate at risk"'. Prosecutor Analía Duarte accuses the former head of the San Isidro Criminal Oral Court Nº2 of agreeing to participate in the audiovisual project for commercial purposes, damaging the image of the Argentine Judiciary.
Testimonies included prosecutor Patricio Ferrari, who said: 'The harm is very great because we have to start the judicial process again. There was no authorization to film a documentary'. Police officer Malen Itatí Romero recounted that Makintach asked her to 'let some friends in' with a backpack, and Daniela Barrionuevo confirmed she allowed cameras inside, which is prohibited. Cameraman Jorge Ignacio Huarte, hired by LaDoble production for 550,000 pesos plus VAT, noted that the scriptwriter was María Lía Vidal, 'La Negra', and he was told to focus on the judge.
Judge Ariel Introzzi, Makintach's colleague, testified: 'It's not that she lent herself, it's a starring role that Dr. Makintach has decided to maintain. All the images captured at the beginning could not have been done without Dr.'s authorizations and permissions.'. Prosecutors Carolina Asprella and José Amallo also testified, but the second hearing was suspended due to 'power outage' and water from the air conditioning. Judges Maximiliano Savarino and Verónica Di Tomasso, expected to testify, will return on Monday, November 10, at 9:00 a.m.
Makintach claimed the project was a proposal from a 'friend', with no intention of a documentary, but witnesses contradict this version, confirming her knowledge and authorization.