A Provincial Court in Las Tunas has sentenced a man to 28 years in prison for the murder of his former partner, a young Cuban mother. The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of June 5, 2024. As reported by the state-run Periódico 26, the accused fatally stabbed Katia Ortiz Figueredo, aged 25, leaving her two young children without a mother.
The trial, held in the First Criminal Chamber, concluded with additional penalties for the convicted individual. These include the loss of public rights and a prohibition on obtaining a passport or leaving the country during the sentence. Additionally, he must provide child support for the victim's children until they reach adulthood or complete their education.
The identity of the convicted man was not disclosed, though he has a criminal history. Both he and the prosecution retain the right to appeal the verdict. Although the victim's name wasn't officially mentioned, the crime aligns with a case previously reported by the platform YoSíTeCreo in Cuba.
According to sources, Katia Ortiz Figueredo was murdered in a public area in Las Tunas on June 5, 2024. A family source revealed that she and her ex-husband were divorced, but he had allegedly held her captive under threat for five days, during which he sexually assaulted her, resulting in pregnancy, as confirmed by forensic reports.
Ortiz was reportedly stabbed around 11 p.m. near a pharmacy in the Aguilera district, where many people were queuing for medications. This case highlights the broader issue of violence against women in Cuba. Earlier, another young mother, aged 22, was murdered by her partner, Gustavo Ortiz Velázquez, in Songo-La Maya, Santiago de Cuba. She was brutally beaten and strangled, with the perpetrator attempting to cover up the crime by pretending to seek medical help.
As of 2025, independent activists have confirmed at least 16 femicides, with 55 women murdered due to gender-based violence in 2024. Although this represents a decrease from the 85 cases in 2023, the numbers remain alarming. Most of these atrocities are committed by current or former partners, often leaving children orphaned, exacerbating the societal impact.
The apparent decline in reported cases is misleading, reflecting not an improvement but rather increased challenges in verifying and reporting incidents. These difficulties stem from government repression, lack of institutional transparency, power outages, and an economic crisis that hampers information flow and access to justice.
Understanding Femicide and its Impact in Cuba
What is being done to combat femicide in Cuba?
Efforts to combat femicide in Cuba are hindered by lack of transparency and governmental repression. Activists and independent organizations are working to raise awareness and verify cases, but face significant challenges.
How does the Cuban government respond to gender-based violence?
The Cuban government's response to gender-based violence is often criticized for its lack of transparency and effective measures. Institutional barriers and limited data availability complicate efforts to address and reduce these crimes.
What is the societal impact of femicide in Cuba?
Femicide in Cuba leaves a profound societal impact, often resulting in children being orphaned and perpetuating cycles of violence. The lack of justice and accountability further exacerbates these issues.