A Cuban court has sentenced a man to 25 years in prison for violently attacking his ex-partner in her home, in what was an attempted murder rather than a legally defined "feminicide," as Cuba's Penal Code lacks such classification. The Provincial People's Court of Havana found the man guilty of robbery with violence, intimidation, assault, threats, and unlawful entry, as reported by the state-run Canal Caribe on Friday.
The court's decision revealed that the perpetrator broke into the victim's residence, threatened her with a knife, and subjected her to both physical and verbal abuse, resulting in severe injuries. Additionally, he stole several items to enhance his personal wealth at the expense of the victim.
The Second Criminal Chamber of the court considered the aggressor's history of repeated offenses as an aggravating factor and, along with the main sentence, imposed additional penalties, including monetary compensation for the stolen property. "In light of these criminal acts, the Cuban justice system continues to take measures to ensure public safety through prevention, confrontation, and strict application of the law," the report noted, avoiding direct mention of gender-based violence as the underlying issue.
For decades, the Cuban government has been criticized for its lack of transparency and action regarding femicides, as it does not officially recognize the term "feminicide" nor include it in the Penal Code. Despite establishing a private register of femicides, this institutional opacity hinders access to data and complicates the effective protection and prevention efforts for women.
Independent platforms such as YoSíTeCreo in Cuba and the Alas Tensas Gender Observatory have taken on the responsibility of documenting femicides due to the government's lack of transparency. These organizations operate with limited resources and face constant surveillance, yet they persist in their efforts to raise awareness and demand justice for the victims.
As of 2025, these independent platforms have reported 25 femicides. The most recent case involved a young Cuban woman who was murdered in a home in Central Havana, allegedly stabbed by her partner who left her lifeless in the bathroom. According to local accounts, after committing the crime, the alleged perpetrator spent the day walking around the area, trying to sell a dog he owned.
Understanding the Legal and Social Challenges in Cuba
What charges was the Cuban man found guilty of?
The man was found guilty of robbery with violence, intimidation, assault, threats, and unlawful entry.
Why is the term "feminicide" not used in Cuba's legal system?
Cuba's legal system does not officially recognize the term "feminicide" and has not included it in the Penal Code, limiting the classification of gender-based crimes.
How do independent organizations in Cuba contribute to addressing femicides?
Independent organizations like YoSíTeCreo in Cuba and the Alas Tensas Gender Observatory document femicides and advocate for justice due to the lack of government transparency.