On Monday, independent Cuban platforms confirmed the tragic occurrence of the 16th femicide in Cuba for the year 2025. The Gender Observatory of the magazine Alas Tensas (OGAT) and Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba (YSTCC) reported the murder of 33-year-old Gretel Matos, who was fatally stabbed by her ex-partner in a public area in the municipality of Niquero, located in Granma province, on June 13.
Matos was the mother of two young daughters, the younger of whom was fathered by her assailant. An independent news outlet, La Hora de Cuba, identified the perpetrator as Didier Almagro. After committing the heinous act near the town square, Almagro fled the scene. The following day, he was discovered hanged from a tree in Bartolomé Masó municipality.
According to sources close to the victim, Almagro had repeatedly expressed his intention to kill Gretel after she refused to resume their relationship. From the beginning of the year until June 16, the observatories of Alas Tensas and YSTCC have confirmed 16 femicides and one murder of a man due to gender-based violence. These organizations are currently investigating four alerts of potential crimes in Artemisa, Matanzas, Santiago de Cuba, and Havana.
The Fight Against Gender Violence in Cuba
In Cuba, femicide is not classified as a crime under the Penal Code. Platforms like Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba and Alas Tensas maintain an unofficial record of gender-based violence while advocating for appropriate legislation and the development of public policies that protect women and prevent violence.
According to a preliminary report by OGAT, these organizations documented 56 femicides in Cuba during 2024. Between 2019 and the previous year, 267 women, girls, and boys were murdered in the country due to gender-related issues.
“Behind each case lies a shattered life, an affected family, and a society scarred by impunity,” OGAT stated on social media. “Verifying and bringing femicides to light not only honors the memory of those who have passed. It also serves as a crucial tool for demanding justice, effective public policies, and real protection for women and girls in Cuba.”
Understanding Femicide in Cuba
What is the current legal status of femicide in Cuba?
In Cuba, femicide is not explicitly classified as a crime in the Penal Code, making it challenging to address legally.
How many femicides were documented in Cuba in 2024?
According to Alas Tensas and Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba, there were 56 femicides documented in 2024.
Which organizations are actively documenting gender-based violence in Cuba?
The Gender Observatory of the magazine Alas Tensas and Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba are key organizations documenting such violence.