Noemí Pérez López, aged 38, tragically lost her life after being brutally stabbed by her former partner on the night of August 8 in the rural community of Paso Pata, located in the Jesús Menéndez municipality of Las Tunas. This incident marks the 52nd femicide reported in Cuba this year, as confirmed by the Alas Tensas Gender Observatory (OGAT) on Monday.
The assailant infiltrated Noemí's home under the cover of night, launching an attack described as "extremely cruel."
The initial information about the crime surfaced through influencers who gathered accounts from family members and neighbors, which was later corroborated and detailed by the independent organization.
After committing the crime, the suspect managed to evade capture and remained on the run for nearly a month, a period filled with fear and uncertainty for the victim's family. Authorities apprehended him in Havana on September 5, according to OGAT.
Noemí leaves behind two children: a teenager and a young girl, the latter having no connection to the attacker. The young girl, who suffers from serious health issues, depended heavily on her mother's care.
Escalating Femicide in Cuba
This case adds to the disturbing rise in femicides across the island. By September 4, Cuba had already reported 50 femicides, surpassing the total number of 49 recorded throughout 2025, as noted by independent platforms.
A few days later, a previously unconfirmed case came to light—the murder of 17-year-old Camila González Arias on June 21—bringing the count to 51. Noemí's case raises it to 52.
The pace of femicides in 2026 is unprecedented, with 37 documented in the first half of the year alone, more than double the 18 reported during the same period in 2025, reflecting a shocking 112.5% increase.
In addition to the 52 femicides, OGAT reports 21 attempted femicides and two gender-based murders of men so far this year. Furthermore, they are investigating 12 potential femicides and 20 attempts reported in 2026 that are yet to be verified.
Legal and Legislative Challenges
The Jesús Menéndez municipality has already witnessed another femicide this year, with the murder of Maylén Fernández Soriano in April.
Cuba's legal framework does not recognize femicide as an independent crime. Currently, the Penal Code only considers it an aggravating factor in homicide cases, and a comprehensive gender violence law is not on the legislative agenda until 2028.
Understanding Femicide in Cuba
What was the situation surrounding Noemí Pérez López's murder?
Noemí Pérez López was fatally stabbed by her ex-partner in her home on August 8, marking Cuba's 52nd femicide for the year. The assailant fled and was captured nearly a month later in Havana.
How does Cuba's legal system address femicide?
In Cuba, femicide is not recognized as a separate offense; it is only seen as an aggravating circumstance in homicides. A comprehensive law addressing gender-based violence is not expected until 2028.
What is the current trend of femicide in Cuba?
There has been an alarming rise in femicides in Cuba, with 52 cases reported so far this year, surpassing the total from 2025. The first half of 2026 alone saw a 112.5% increase compared to the same period in 2025.