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The feminist platform Alas Tensas (OGAT) confirmed this Thursday two new femicides in Cuba, along with the verification of two attempted femicides.
One of the incidents occurred between November 26 and 27 in the city of Santiago de Cuba, where 37-year-old Eglis Pacheco López was the victim of a robbery and sexual femicide in her home.
The aggression, which went beyond robbery due to its severity, included a sexual assault of a corrective nature, seemingly motivated by the victim's sexual orientation. Eglis left behind a 15-year-old son, the platform noted on Facebook.
The other case involves a 15-year-old girl named Deyanira, who was murdered by her partner in the early hours of November 1st in Santiago de Cuba, in the middle of the street.
OGAT states that support is being requested to finalize the details of this crime.
These cases, along with the underreporting data collected by the OGAT and YSTCC (Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba) observatories until December 19, 2024, reveal a total of 55 femicides, eight attempted femicides, and six cases that still require access to police investigation. Additionally, there have been two reported murders of men motivated by gender-based reasons.
The joint efforts of activists and citizens continue to work towards highlighting and documenting these crimes, despite the challenges in accessing information, noted the feminist platforms on the island.
They also called for action and support to continue the fight against the rising gender-based violence in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about Femicide in Cuba
How many femicides have been recorded in Cuba up to December 2024?
As of December 19, 2024, there have been 55 femicides recorded in Cuba, according to the Gender Observatory of Alas Tensas and Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba. Additionally, there were eight reported attempts of femicide and six cases that still require access to police investigations.
What obstacles exist to report femicides in Cuba?
One of the main obstacles to reporting femicides in Cuba is the lack of transparency in official statistics and the absence of an appropriate legal framework, as femicide is not classified as a specific crime in the Cuban Penal Code. However, the feminist platforms Alas Tensas and Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba recommend using encrypted messaging services like WhatsApp or Messenger to make secure reports.
What measures has the Cuban government implemented to combat gender-based violence?
In July 2024, the Council of Ministers of Cuba approved a national system for the registration, assistance, monitoring, and surveillance of violence against women, consisting of 25 experts from the Ministry of the Interior and the Supreme People's Court. However, the effectiveness of these measures is hampered by the lack of a specific classification of femicide in the Penal Code.
How do legal limitations affect the fight against feminicide in Cuba?
The absence of the classification of femicide as a crime in the Cuban Penal Code hinders an appropriate legal response to these offenses, complicating the gathering of accurate statistics and the implementation of effective public policies. This leaves victims and their families in a state of vulnerability and limits the possibilities for prevention and justice.
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