Feminist platforms confirmed this Monday the classification of a double crime in the rural town of Suferry, in the province of Ciego de Ávila, as a femicide. The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of a woman and her father, and left a family friend injured.
The female victim, identified as Yumary Morales Guerra, 28, succumbed to severe injuries inflicted by her ex-partner on July 15. The harrowing event took place on July 8, when Félix Morales was instantly killed, according to Alas Tensas on social media. They also reported that a friend of Yumary, who was injured in the attack, is recovering.
While feminist platforms did not disclose the identity of the aggressor, independent media previously identified the perpetrator as Richard Sánchez Ferrales. Sánchez Ferrales, who was on prison leave, entered his ex-partner's home on the night of July 8 and first murdered her 70-year-old father with a machete.
Afterwards, Sánchez Ferrales attacked Yumary Morales Guerra with the same weapon, leaving her critically wounded. Yoledys Díaz Batista, a young neighbor and friend who came to the family's aid, also sustained a severe arm injury and remains hospitalized.
As of July 29, feminist platforms have verified 31 femicides, three attempted femicides, and six cases requiring further investigation this year. There are also alerts in the provinces of Las Tunas, Matanzas, Havana, and Santiago de Cuba.
The Cuban government does not recognize femicide in its current Penal Code, approved in May 2022. However, in response to mounting public pressure and advocacy from independent feminist groups, Cuba has announced the creation of a national system to register, monitor, and address gender-based violence within families.
A recent report from the official newspaper Granma mentioned that this system comprises "25 experts" from the Ministry of the Interior and the Supreme People's Court. The system aims to develop "an integrated and interoperable administrative registry that utilizes the platforms of these institutions for managing criminal processes."
Understanding Femicide and Gender-Based Violence in Cuba
To provide further clarity on the issue of femicide and gender-based violence in Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What is the current status of femicide recognition in Cuba's legal system?
Cuba's current Penal Code, approved in May 2022, does not recognize femicide as a distinct legal category.
How many femicides have been confirmed in Cuba this year?
As of July 29, feminist platforms have confirmed 31 femicides in Cuba this year.
What measures is Cuba taking to address gender-based violence?
Cuba has announced the creation of a national system to register, monitor, and address gender-based violence within families. This system involves 25 experts from the Ministry of the Interior and the Supreme People's Court.