Independent feminist groups in Cuba reported on Wednesday the 15th femicide of the year, following the tragic death of Rosa María (Rosi) Santana Álvarez. The young mother, approximately 29 years old, was brutally stabbed by her ex-partner on Sunday, May 4, at the popular La Hormiga campground in the Escambray region of Fomento municipality.
According to citizen media reports and feminist organizations like Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba (YSTCC) and the Observatorio de Género de Alas Tensas (OGAT), Santana suffered seven stab wounds inflicted by Yoandri Alonso, known as El Colorao, with whom she had a previous relationship. Tragically, Rosi died at the scene, leaving behind two young children.
The murder took place in a family-friendly recreational area, intensifying the community's shock. As of now, there's no confirmation regarding the arrest of the alleged perpetrator. Independent observatories have verified the case through community sources, due to the lack of official information from the Ministry of the Interior or the Attorney General's Office, as detailed by OGAT and YSTCC.
Calls for Action Amid Institutional Silence
Activists warn that institutional opacity remains a significant barrier to highlighting and preventing such crimes. This incident marks the 15th confirmed femicide in 2025, following the confirmation of two other cases on Tuesday. Several other reports are currently under investigation and pending confirmation.
Both YSTCC and OGAT emphasized that reporting these crimes is not illegal and urged the public to assist with information to continue documenting cases of extreme gender violence, especially in areas where connectivity issues and power outages complicate verification efforts.
Legal and Institutional Gaps in Addressing Gender Violence
Rosi Santana's murder adds to a growing list of women killed by their partners or ex-partners across various provinces, highlighting the ongoing legal void in Cuba due to the absence of a comprehensive law against gender violence and the lack of official recognition of femicide as a criminal offense.
Feminist platforms have expressed deep concern and called for urgent state action to implement effective protection policies, including shelters, specialized care, and a proper legal framework to prevent these crimes.
Understanding Femicide and Gender Violence in Cuba
What is the current legal status of femicide in Cuba?
Cuba currently lacks a comprehensive law against gender violence and does not officially recognize femicide as a distinct criminal offense, contributing to a significant legal void in addressing these issues.
How are independent feminist groups contributing to addressing femicides in Cuba?
Groups like YSTCC and OGAT play a crucial role in verifying and documenting cases of femicide, raising awareness, and advocating for legal and institutional changes to protect women and combat gender violence.
What challenges do activists face in documenting gender violence in Cuba?
Activists encounter challenges such as lack of official data, connectivity issues, and power outages, which hinder verification and documentation efforts in cases of extreme gender violence.