Feminist platforms confirmed late Thursday three new cases of femicide in Cuba within just two weeks, alongside the first reported murder of a man due to gender-based motives this year.
The women, all killed by their partners, were mothers of nine children collectively. Two of these heinous crimes occurred on the same day but in different provinces.
The latest to come to light is the femicide of Ariadna Gámez Quintana, 32, which took place on May 28 in her home in Holguín. She was murdered by her partner, the father of her youngest two children. Four children, all minors, witnessed the horrific act, according to the YoSíTeCreo en Cuba platform. The aggressor, who had a history of domestic violence, is currently at large.
“Our condolences go out to her family, and we recommend activating a safety protocol for those who survived Ariadna,” advised the platform.
The other confirmed case is that of Ailén Tartabull Valladares, 49, also killed on May 28 by her partner in her home in Cienfuegos. Tartabull Valladares leaves behind two children, one an adult from a previous relationship and another minor, whose father is the assailant with a history of domestic violence. This incident also saw the murder of Víctor Manuel Ojeda Alpízar.
The third verified murder is that of Isaira Despaigne, killed by her partner in her home in Santiago de Cuba on either May 14 or 15. She is survived by three children, according to sources.
These incidents were reported by media, citizens, and activists, and verified through community sources by the joint effort of the Observatorio de Alas Tensas (OGAT) and YoSíTeCreo en Cuba (YSTCC).
As of May 30, independent Cuban gender violence observatories have documented 22 femicides, three attempted femicides, and six cases requiring police investigation. These cases needing further scrutiny include: an elderly woman (Esperanza, Villa Clara); Irma (Havana); Teresa Moliner Bosa (Havana); Tania Reyes (Santiago de Cuba); Samantha (Sami) Heredia Odrens (Santiago de Cuba); and Laura Castillo Zulueta (Havana).
Currently, presumed femicides in Havana and Artemisa are also under investigation.
In 2023, a record number of femicides, 89 in total, were reported, according to data collected since 2019 by OGAT and YSTCC. The Cuban regime does not recognize femicide in the Penal Code approved in May 2022.
Understanding the Rise in Femicide Cases in Cuba
In light of the increasing number of femicides in Cuba, we address some frequently asked questions to provide clarity and context on the issue.
What is femicide?
Femicide is the killing of a woman or girl, in particular by a man and on account of her gender.
How many femicides have been reported in Cuba in 2023?
As of May 30, 2023, 22 femicides have been reported in Cuba.
Does the Cuban Penal Code recognize femicide?
No, the Cuban Penal Code, approved in May 2022, does not currently recognize femicide as a specific crime.
What organizations are tracking femicide in Cuba?
The Observatorio de Alas Tensas (OGAT) and YoSíTeCreo en Cuba (YSTCC) are among the organizations documenting and tracking femicide cases in Cuba.