José Arnal, producer of the documentary 'Justicia Divina' on the trial for Diego Maradona's death, testified that Judge Julieta Makintach was aware of the project and allowed entry to the hearing. This worsens the magistrate's position in the jury against her, following the annulment of the judicial debate. The scandal arose from unauthorized filming that led to the nullity of the proceedings.
In the jury against Judge Julieta Makintach, José Arnal, owner of La Doble A production company, testified on Wednesday that the magistrate was aware of the documentary 'Justicia Divina,' which narrated the trial for Diego Maradona's death from her perspective. Arnal revealed that Makintach had seen the trailer and authorized the team's entry to the first hearing at the San Isidro court, which was later annulled due to the scandal.
The producer, with over 30 years in the audiovisual industry, explained that screenwriter Juan D'Emilio presented the script in February 2025, and he decided to fund it initially with 7 million pesos, estimating a total cost of 800,000 dollars. They filmed on the Sunday before the debate began at the San Isidro courts and on Tuesday during the hearing, capturing images of the judge, Fernando Burlando, and Dalma Maradona. 'We had tacit authorization to do it, the judge let us in. On the day of the trial, she let us in without problems, with the camera and a security guard,' Arnal stated.
D'Emilio, who introduced himself as a writer and Maradona fan, agreed that the idea originated at a birthday party where he met Makintach through María Lía Vidal. Initially, the judge rejected the proposal but later authorized an interview and the filming. 'María Lía told me that the judge had authorized the interview and then told me that what was done she saw and it was fine,' he recounted.
The scandal broke on May 15, 2025, when the recording became public, causing chaos and the annulment of the trial against seven health professionals. After the incident, Makintach asked in chats for her tribunal colleagues to stay united to avoid nullity, according to reports. Jorge Barrera, a former student of the judge, is set to testify on Thursday, with allegations to follow and a resolution expected next week.
Gianinna Maradona, in her testimony, recalled Makintach's promise not to film, which she believed 'as a woman.' The suspended judge reiterated her innocence and trusts the institutions, while denouncing a colleague for aggravated false testimony.