A tragic incident unfolded in Cienfuegos on the morning of July 22, as 29-year-old Yailin Carrasco Pérez, a mother of three, was violently murdered. The attack took place around 6:30 a.m. on Vial Road, near the University, when Yailin, accompanied by one of her daughters, reportedly went to meet her attacker, according to the Facebook profile "Las Cosas de Fernanda," which aligns with the official government stance.
Neighbors from the area close to José Gregorio Martínez Polytechnic reported hearing the child's heart-wrenching screams, as cited by the same source. "They killed my mom!" shouted the six-year-old, identifying her mother's partner as the assailant. The suspect has been apprehended and is currently "under criminal investigation," the source confirmed.
The horrific event has sent shockwaves throughout the community, highlighting the severe issue of gender-based violence in Cuba. Despite efforts by civil society and independent feminist platforms to raise awareness, the Cuban State has yet to implement an effective response. Activist Saúl Manuel noted on social media that the alleged murderer was an escaped convict, a critical detail that, if true, indicates a troubling series of institutional failures.
Misleading Labels: The Danger of "Crime of Passion"
The term "crime of passion" was repeatedly used by the official source "Las Cosas de Fernanda" in their coverage, occasionally referring to the incident as a femicide. Such euphemisms serve to downplay and depoliticize the hatred-driven crimes against women. By labeling it as "passion," it implies an uncontrollable emotion justifies, or at least explains, the murder. This language diminishes the seriousness of the crime and obscures the concept of femicide, which remains unrecognized legally in Cuba.
Ultimately, this kind of rhetoric contributes to the symbolic impunity of offenders and perpetuates a culture that normalizes violence against women.
Contradictions in the Cuban Revolution's Gender Equality Narrative
The account from "Las Cosas de Fernanda" included a lengthy reflection on the supposed revolutionary fight for gender equality, with references to Fidel Castro and Marxism. It reiterated that "the 1959 Revolution brought a commitment to gender equality," while reluctantly admitting the persistence of patriarchal structures.
This narrative is fraught with contradictions. On one hand, Fidel's legacy is praised as a champion for women's rights; on the other, gender violence remains neither eradicated nor contained. The analysis shifts the blame to the "capitalist system" for these violences, despite the fact that Cuba's press, education, laws, and media are controlled by a self-proclaimed socialist system.
Neglecting the Cuban State's role in failing to implement prevention, protection, and justice policies for women is a deliberate omission that serves the official narrative. It is not capitalism that kills women in Cuba; it is unchecked machismo, allowed by a State that refuses to recognize femicide as a specific crime and does not establish effective victim protection protocols.
Capital Punishment: Solution or Diversion?
In conclusion, the official text suggests reinstating the death penalty for such crimes, citing the need to end the current "moratorium." This proposal—advocating extreme punishment—reflects the Cuban regime's lack of structural responses to gender-based violence.
Instead of proposing prevention mechanisms, shelters, comprehensive laws, or gender-focused education, the death of offenders is presented as the sole solution. This punitive approach obscures the root of the problem: the absence of an effective protection system for women. Yailin Carrasco Pérez did not die from an uncontrollable "passion." She was allegedly murdered by a man she was involved with, who had possibly escaped from prison, and who acted with total impunity.
Her case, like so many others, calls for a radical change in how official media and institutions address gender violence in Cuba. Naming femicide is an act of justice. Recognizing the State's responsibility is a duty. As long as "crime of passion" continues to be used and the legacy of those who did not confront these crimes is glorified, women in Cuba will continue to die without protection, without justice, and without a voice.
As of this report's publication, feminist platforms have not reported on the case.
Understanding Gender-Based Violence in Cuba
What is the current legal status of femicide in Cuba?
Femicide is not legally recognized as a specific crime in Cuba, which contributes to a lack of targeted policies and protection for women.
How does the Cuban regime typically respond to gender-based violence?
The Cuban regime often uses euphemisms like "crime of passion" to describe gender-based violence and has not implemented comprehensive solutions to address the issue effectively.
What are the implications of using terms like "crime of passion"?
Such terms minimize the severity of gender-based violence and obscure the reality of femicide, preventing the recognition and treatment of these crimes as serious societal issues.