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A woman residing in Artemisa, identified as Yaniset Serrano, was allegedly murdered by her ex-partner, Eliudis Sabón, who is currently evading justice.
The activist Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia reported on her Facebook page that the victim was originally from Dos Caminos, in Santiago de Cuba, but had been living in San Antonio de los Baños for some time.
The crime occurred last Tuesday at 5:00 PM after several hours of torture and when the woman was heading to the police station.
"They had been separated for five months because he was always hitting her and his own 13-year-old daughter. The night before, he sneaked into the house and held a knife to her throat, forcing her to lie down with him. She told him she would report him, and the next day, while she was on her way to the police, he killed her," he explained.
Salcedo Verdecia reported that the alleged murderer, who is currently a fugitive, "is now also threatening to kill the best friend of the murdered woman, named Elizabeth Larrea, as well as his own daughter, who are both under police protection."
Serrano had no children, and although he was from San Luis, he lived in El Borjita, in San Antonio de Los Baños, according to one of his nephews.
She said that she was a very loving aunt, to the point that many claimed she was the mother of her nephews because of the affection she showed them.
The killer, who used a machete to take the woman's life, has been lurking around the area, neighbors reported.
Some witnessed him enter the yard of the house armed with a machete and questioned the inaction of the police, who are not patrolling the area.
On January 8, independent feminist platforms confirmed the first femicide of 2025 on the island, following the murder of a Cuban mother residing in Holguín, identified as Elizabeth (Lisi) Ramírez Fernández.
As of December 19, platforms had confirmed 55 femicides in 2024, eight attempted femicides, and six cases that still required access to the police investigation. Additionally, they reported two murders of men motivated by gender-related reasons.
The Cuban regime has acknowledged gender-based violence, and according to official data, in 2023 there were 110 femicides and 378 cases of sexual violence judged.
However, feminicide is not classified as a specific crime in the Penal Code in force since May 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions about Femicide in Artemisa and Gender Violence in Cuba
Who was the victim of the femicide in Artemisa and who is the suspect?
The victim was Yaniset Serrano, a resident of Artemisa, and the suspect is her ex-partner, Eliudis Sabón, who is a fugitive from justice. The crime occurred when she was heading to the police station after suffering threats and abuse from the aggressor.
What history of gender-based violence exists in Cuba?
In Cuba, gender violence is a growing problem. In 2024, 53 femicides have been reported according to independent platforms, such as the Gender Observatory of the magazine Alas Tensas and YoSíTeCreo en Cuba. Despite these alarming figures, femicide is not classified as a crime in the Cuban Penal Code.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address gender-based violence?
The Cuban government established a national system for the registration, care, tracking, and monitoring of gender-based violence within the family environment. However, the effectiveness of this system has been questioned by feminist organizations, as femicide has not been classified as a crime, and the terms "femicide" or "gender-based crime" are not used.
What criticisms have been directed at the Cuban government regarding its handling of femicides?
The main criticisms focus on the lack of recognition of femicide as a specific crime and the insufficiency of concrete actions to protect women. Feminist organizations and civil society have reported that the authorities do not respond effectively to early warnings, which could prevent many of these tragedies.
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