In June, the alarming rise of gender-based violence in Cuba has reached a critical point, especially in Sancti Spíritus. Within a span of just one week, two women were tragically killed by their former partners, pushing the total number of femicides in the country to 37 so far in 2026, according to the latest updates from the Alas Tensas Gender Observatory (OGAT).
"Two additional femicides in Cuba raise urgent concerns, particularly in Sancti Spíritus, where these preventable and devastating losses have occurred," OGAT expressed in a statement released this Thursday.
Tragic Loss of Zarahelga Pardo López
The most recent victim, Zarahelga Pardo López, known as Sarita, was 29 years old when she was murdered on June 29 in the Carlos Roloff neighborhood of Sancti Spíritus by her former partner, who is also the father of her children.
The attacker attempted suicide after committing the crime, inflicting a severe neck wound, and was subsequently taken to a hospital where he remains under police supervision. The perpetrator has been identified through various sources as José Luis Rivera, also known as "El Loco," according to information shared by a Facebook page reporting the crime.
Sarita is survived by her three young children, who are now in a "deeply distressing" situation, the observatory emphasized, recommending specialized care for the children.
Lidianni Luis González: A Preventable Tragedy
The second victim, Lidianni Luis González, whose age has not been confirmed, was killed by her ex-partner on June 21 near La Trinchera, while traveling from her home in Guayos.
Her attacker, identified on social media as Davier Valdivia Santana, was on the run from the law at the time of the assault. He caught up with Lidianni as she attempted to flee, fatally stabbing her multiple times before being apprehended.
OGAT highlighted a critical issue: Lidianni had previously reported her attacker to the authorities, which underscores the "negligent response by the police," who failed to act to protect her despite the warning.
Lidianni leaves behind two young children.
Wider Context: A Growing Crisis
Both murders took place in Sancti Spíritus, the same province where the first confirmed femicide of the year occurred in Cuba. On January 6, nurse Magaly Aragón Aragón, 59, was found dead in a sugarcane field at the Las Mulas prison camp in Jatibonico.
The current count of 37 femicides in the first half of 2026 marks more than double the cases documented during the same period in 2025, which recorded 18. In addition to these grim statistics, the observatory has also confirmed 19 attempted femicides and two male killings due to gender-based violence in the first six months of 2026.
OGAT is investigating 12 potential femicides, five attempted femicides, and one male murder due to gender motives that were flagged in 2025; as well as 10 potential femicides and three attempts reported in 2026.
From 2019 to June 2026, OGAT and Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba have documented a total of 350 femicides on the island, reaching a peak of 90 cases in 2023.
The recurring pattern is intimate femicide. According to OGAT's 2025 report, 83.3% of the crimes were committed by partners or ex-partners, 64.6% involved a knife, and 62.5% happened in the victim's home or immediate surroundings.
Cuba lacks comprehensive gender violence legislation, institutional shelters for women at risk, and does not publish official femicide statistics. The crime is not independently categorized in the current Penal Code, appearing only as an aggravated form of homicide.
With the closure of the femicide observatory by Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba, OGAT remains the sole independent entity documenting these crimes in Cuba, addressing the state’s inaction and institutional void.
Understanding Femicide and Gender Violence in Cuba
What is the current situation of femicide in Cuba?
As of mid-2026, Cuba has recorded 37 femicides, reflecting a significant increase compared to previous years. Sancti Spíritus has been particularly affected by recent cases.
Why is the situation critical in Sancti Spíritus?
Sancti Spíritus has witnessed several femicides, including the recent murders of Zarahelga Pardo López and Lidianni Luis González, highlighting a troubling trend of intimate partner violence.
How does Cuba address gender violence?
Cuba lacks a comprehensive legal framework for addressing gender violence, has no institutional shelters for at-risk women, and does not publish official femicide statistics, resulting in a significant institutional gap.