Maradona trial paused over suspected medical evidence mix-up

The trial concerning the death of Argentine football icon Diego Maradona was suspended on Thursday amid claims that kidney test results presented to the court actually belonged to Maradona's father. Seven healthcare workers are accused of criminal negligence regarding the care Maradona received before his death at age 60 in November 2020, following surgery.

This is the second trial related to Maradona's death; the first was annulled last year after two and a half months of hearings due to a judge's involvement in a documentary about the case. The new trial, which began in April, was nearing its conclusion when the controversy over the medical evidence emerged. The defense argues that the kidney tests presented were from Maradona's father, also named Diego, who died in 2015, not the 1986 World Cup star.

The court has adjourned proceedings until August 27 to allow for a thorough review of the evidence. Maradona died of heart failure and acute pulmonary edema at a rented home in Tigre, a Buenos Aires suburb, two weeks after surgery for a brain clot. His medical team denies accusations of providing inadequate care leading up to his death.

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They (the defense) will not succeed in bringing down the trial.

On Tuesday, a nephrologist testified that the player's kidney condition should have alerted his doctors. The expert stated that Maradona, who had a history of cocaine abuse, should have received daily medical checkups, nursing care, blood tests, and vital signs monitoring. Despite the alleged mix-up, prosecutors assured that their case remains strong and that the defense will not succeed in derailing the trial. A lawyer for one of the accused nurses denied any intention to seek a mistrial, expressing a desire for the case to conclude so her client can learn her judicial fate.

If the kidney test results are confirmed to belong to Maradona's father, it could significantly undermine the medical commission's findings. This commission, which has been critical of the care Maradona received, includes the nephrologist who testified on Tuesday. The potential discrediting of this evidence could have major implications for the ongoing negligence case.

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I want this case to end so that my client knows her judicial fate.