Liz Yohana Jiménez Morales, an 18-year-old woman, was tragically killed in her home in Mayajigua, located in the Yaguajay municipality of Sancti Spíritus. The incident occurred between the night of Sunday, October 6, and the early hours of Monday, October 7. A teenage boyfriend has been identified as the alleged perpetrator of this horrific crime.
The independent organizations Alas Tensas Gender Observatory and the platform YoSíTeCreo in Cuba have confirmed the involvement of a minor in this femicide. These entities emphasize the urgent need to address violence in teenage relationships, highlighting that this is not an isolated incident involving young individuals in acts of gender-based violence.
Rising Concerns Over Gender-Based Violence
OGAT and YSTCC, both dedicated to monitoring and documenting gender violence cases, have verified this tragedy through community sources. As of October 9, 2024, they have recorded a total of 39 femicides in Cuba. Their reporting indicates five attempted femicides and six cases requiring further police investigation, including incidents involving older women in various regions such as Esperanza in Villa Clara and Irma in Havana.
Victims like Teresa Moliner Bosa in Havana, Tania Reyes in Santiago de Cuba, Samantha (Sami) Heredia Odrens in Santiago de Cuba, and Laura Castillo Zulueta in Havana are among those who need justice. Additionally, there have been two gender-related homicides of men, with investigations ongoing for cases in Las Tunas, Matanzas, Camagüey, Guantánamo, and Santiago de Cuba.