Feminist platforms reported two new feminicides on Wednesday, highlighting the urgent need for effective protection systems and shelters for women whose lives are at risk. These incidents bring the total number of women killed due to gender-based violence in Cuba this year to 25.
Details of the Incidents
The first incident occurred on May 18 in the Barrio Obrero neighborhood of San Miguel del Padrón, Havana. Cindy Samanthy González Espinosa, a 32-year-old woman, was murdered in the home of a friend where she had sought refuge from her ex-partner. Despite her efforts to hide, her ex-partner located her and took her life. The platform YoSíTeCreo in Cuba emphasized that the assailant had a history of abuse with Cindy and previous partners, yet no preventive measures were taken by the authorities.
The second feminicide involved Katia Ortiz Figueredo, a 25-year-old mother of two, who was killed on the streets of Las Tunas on June 5. Ortiz was murdered by her ex-partner, who had a known history of violent behavior towards her. Journalist Alberto Arego reported, citing a family member, that Ortiz was stabbed around 11 PM near a pharmacy in the Aguilera district, where many people were waiting to buy medication. According to the family source, Ortiz and her ex-partner had been divorced for several months, but he had held her captive for five days, sexually assaulted her, and left her pregnant.
Ortiz is survived by her two children, an 8-year-old boy, and a 3-year-old girl. When asked if Ortiz had reported her ex-partner to the authorities, her aunt revealed that she had not, due to fear and a desire to protect her father and brother. The aunt expressed a desire for justice, stating, "I want this case to come to light so that he receives no benefits and is sentenced for double murder." The perpetrator was arrested on the night of the crime.
As of June 12, independent Cuban platforms have recorded 25 feminicides, three attempted feminicides, six cases requiring police investigation, and the gender-related murder of one man. Additionally, four alerts are currently being investigated in Havana, Artemisa, Camagüey, and Santiago de Cuba.
The platforms YoSíTeCreo in Cuba and the Alas Tensas Gender Observatory emphasize the need for the Cuban government to declare a "state of emergency due to gender violence" and advocate for comprehensive legislation against gender-based violence, as feminicide is not yet classified as a crime in the island's Penal Code. On March 8, Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that convictions for gender-based murders in Cuba had tripled in 2023 compared to 2022, increasing from 18 to 61. Despite acknowledging that gender violence occurs "with regrettable frequency," Díaz-Canel argued that "enemies of the revolution" manipulate the figures conveniently and tendentiously.
Understanding Feminicide in Cuba
Given the alarming rise in feminicides in Cuba, this section aims to answer some critical questions about the issue.
What measures are being taken to protect women in Cuba?
Despite calls from feminist platforms for effective protection systems and shelters, there are currently no comprehensive measures in place. The platforms emphasize the need for a state of emergency and legislative changes to address gender-based violence adequately.
How many feminicides have been reported in Cuba in 2023?
As of June 12, 2023, independent platforms have reported 25 feminicides in Cuba.
What is the Cuban government's stance on feminicides?
The Cuban government, represented by Miguel Díaz-Canel, acknowledges the increase in gender-based violence but argues that the figures are manipulated by "enemies of the revolution."