Related videos:
Independent feminist platforms in Cuba confirmed this Wednesday the 15th feminicide of the year in Cuba, after verifying the death caused by macho violence of Rosa María (Rosi) Santana Álvarez, a young mother of approximately 29 years.
The woman was stabbed by her ex-partner last Sunday May 4 at the La Hormiga Popular Camping Base, in the Escambray area, municipality of Fomento.
According to reports from citizen media and feminist platforms such as Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba (YSTCC) and the Observatorio de Género de Alas Tensas (OGAT), Santana was stabbed seven times by Yoandri Alonso, known as El Colorao, with whom she is said to have had a previous relationship.
Rosi passed away at the scene, leaving two young children orphaned.
The crime took place in a recreational area frequented by families, which has amplified the impact of the tragedy on the community, and so far, there has been no confirmation of the arrest of the alleged perpetrator.
The case has been verified by independent observers through community sources, given the lack of official information from the Ministry of the Interior or the Attorney General of the Republic, as detailed in the publication by OGAT and YSTCC.
Institutional opacity continues to be a barrier to highlighting and preventing this type of crime, activists warn.
This is the confirmed feminicide number 15 in 2025, following the confirmation of two others on Tuesday. However, there are already several reports under investigation and in the process of confirmation.
Both YSTCC and OGAT reiterated that reporting these crimes is not a crime and encouraged citizens to provide information to continue documenting cases of extreme gender-based violence, especially in contexts where connectivity issues and power outages hinder verification efforts.
The murder of Rosi Santana adds to a list of women killed by their partners or ex-partners in various provinces of the country, amidst the legal void that persists in Cuba due to the lack of a comprehensive law against gender violence and the absence of official recognition of femicide as a criminal offense.
Feminist platforms have expressed their dismay and called for urgent action from the State to implement effective protection policies, including shelters, specialized care, and an appropriate legal framework to prevent these crimes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Femicide in Cuba
How many femicides have been recorded in Cuba during 2025?
As of May 2025, 15 femicides have been recorded in Cuba, according to independent feminist platforms such as Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba and the Gender Observatory of Alas Tensas. These organizations have been documenting independently due to the lack of official recognition of these crimes by the Cuban government.
Why doesn't the Cuban government recognize femicide as a criminal offense?
The Cuban government does not recognize the term "femicide" nor has it classified it as a crime in the current Penal Code. This lack of classification hinders an appropriate legal response to these crimes, complicating the gathering of accurate statistics and the implementation of effective public policies to prevent gender violence.
What actions are feminist platforms in Cuba taking to combat femicides?
Platforms like Yo Sí Te Creo in Cuba and the Gender Observatory of Alas Tensas are independently documenting femicides, verifying cases through community sources and denouncing the lack of state action. These organizations have also requested citizens to collaborate with information and use encrypted messaging for making secure reports. Additionally, they have demanded the implementation of a comprehensive law against gender violence.
What obstacles do victims of gender-based violence face in Cuba?
Victims of gender-based violence in Cuba face numerous obstacles, such as a lack of safe shelters, the absence of effective police protocols, and a social stigma that hinders timely reporting. In addition, technological disconnection and blackouts make it difficult for independent platforms to verify crimes.
Filed under: