Maradona trial paused over suspected medical evidence mix-up

The trial into the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona was halted on Thursday after allegations emerged that kidney tests presented to the court were actually belonging to Maradona's father. Seven healthcare workers are facing charges of criminal negligence over Maradona's care prior to his death at the age of 60 in November 2020.

The initial trial was halted last year after two-and-a-half months of proceedings, following the discovery that one of the judges had participated in a covert documentary about the case. A fresh trial commenced in April, but it too was marred by controversy when the defense alleged that kidney test results presented in court belonged to Maradona's father, who passed away in 2015.

The court adjourned the hearings until August 27 to reassess the evidence. Maradona died from heart failure and acute pulmonary edema following surgery for a brain clot at a rented home in Buenos Aires' Tigre district, two weeks after his operation. Medical professionals are accused of providing subpar care leading up to his death, a claim they deny.

A nephrologist informed the court that Maradona's kidney condition should have raised red flags for his doctors. The prosecution maintains that the alleged evidence mix-up does not undermine their case, asserting that the defense will not prevail in derailing the trial. One of the accused, nurse Nancy Forlini, insisted to her lawyer that she seeks the case's conclusion so her client can learn the outcome of her judicial fate.

If verified, the kidney test results being those of Maradona's father could undermine the credibility of the medical commission established to investigate the circumstances surrounding Maradona's demise. This nephrologist, a member of the commission, criticized the care Maradona received and is part of the body scrutinizing his medical history.