A tragic incident has unfolded in Cuba, specifically in the city of Bayamo, located in Granma province, where a woman was brutally killed by her former partner while she was en route to the police station to file a complaint against him.
On April 13, Yunia Lisset Bizet Sánchez, aged 52, was fatally attacked in broad daylight in the Rosa La Bayamesa area by a man identified as Roelvis Hechavarría Rodríguez.
The Gender Observatory of Alas Tensas (OGAT) reported on Facebook that the "horrific event occurred near a primary school, witnessed by young children."
The victim was traveling in a bicycle taxi when her assailant intercepted her.
According to sources cited by communicator Nio, she was heading to the police for a confrontation related to previous disputes with the man who ultimately ended her life.
"He stopped her and began the attack," recounted a witness. Neighbors tried to intervene but were unsuccessful: "People tried to help, throwing stones, but he wouldn't stop... it all happened very quickly," described another resident.
Yunia succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Authorities arrived later, but it was too late to save her.
Roelvis Hechavarría Rodríguez has been confirmed as the perpetrator and has been taken into custody, though family and friends are questioning why someone with his history was still free.
Alas Tensas mentioned that Yunia had daughters, though they did not specify how many or their ages, and thanked those who attempted to assist her.
This case highlights a recurring pattern that independent observatories have documented for years: Yunia had previously reported her abuser to the authorities, yet she remained unprotected.
The Gender Observatory was unequivocal in its assessment: "Once again, the prevailing injustice system in Cuba is evident, as Yunia had reported her aggressor."
This incident marks the 17th documented femicide in Cuba so far in 2026, according to the joint count by OGAT and the observatory Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba (YSTCC), updated as of April 15.
This year has also seen nine attempted femicides and one gender-related murder of a man. The observatories are investigating six additional potential femicides in 2026 that remain unconfirmed.
The cumulative figures reveal a persistent crisis. The year 2025 concluded with 48 confirmed femicides in Cuba, with 83.3% committed by partners or ex-partners.
From 2019 to October 2025, independent organizations documented 300 femicides in total, due to the complete absence of official statistics from the State.
Yunia Lisset's case occurred just three days after the murder of Marina Pino Martínez, aged 23, who was killed on April 10 in Jagüey Grande, Matanzas, by her former partner.
Bayamo also has a documented history of such crimes: in 2023, Daniela Thalia Tasse Arias, a 21-year-old pregnant teacher, and Yubisleydis Gamboa, a 34-year-old nurse, were both killed by their ex-spouses.
The Cuban regime's institutional response to this crisis is nonexistent. Cuba lacks a comprehensive law against gender violence, and femicide is not recognized as a standalone crime in the 2022 Penal Code—only as an aggravating factor. There are no effective restraining orders or accessible shelters for victims.
The government has not prioritized comprehensive legislation in its agenda until 2028. According to Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba, of 122 gender violence victims assisted by their helpline, only two aggressors were appropriately punished.
Alas Tensas summarized the gravity of the issue with a poignant statement: this femicide exemplifies the deep humanitarian crisis and deterioration in the country. While the regime turns a blind eye to the emergency, independent organizations take on the task of documenting, investigating, and supporting the families that the State neglects.
Understanding Femicide in Cuba
What led to Yunia Lisset Bizet Sánchez's murder?
Yunia was killed by her former partner, Roelvis Hechavarría Rodríguez, while she was on her way to report him to the police for previous disputes.
How does Cuba address gender-based violence?
Cuba lacks comprehensive legislation against gender violence, and femicide is not recognized as a distinct crime. There are no effective restraining orders or accessible shelters for victims.
What role do independent organizations play in Cuba regarding femicide?
Independent organizations in Cuba, such as Alas Tensas, document, investigate, and support families affected by femicide, filling the gap left by the government's inaction.