On Saturday, November 7, 2026, Blanca Eugenia Roque Malpica, a prominent member of the renowned Ladies in White, passed away in Los Arabos, a municipality in Matanzas province. At 79 years of age, Eugenia had been hospitalized since November 3 at the Hospital of Colón, also in Matanzas, following a medical episode described as a cerebral infarction or a stroke.
The news of her passing was shared by various individuals, including activist and journalist Boris González Arenas, who posted a farewell message written by Leticia Ramos Herrería, a fellow member of the movement, on social media.
The day before her death, Berta Soler, leader of the Ladies in White, had raised concerns about Eugenia's condition. According to Soler's Facebook post, William, Eugenia's son, confirmed via phone that she was in a "critical state."
Ramos Herrería expressed her sorrow with these words: "Despite her advanced age, Eugenia remained a devoted Lady in White and sister in our struggle. Her legacy and dedication to Cuba's freedom and political prisoners inspired many of us and the community who saw her attend mass week after week, often facing unjust detention despite her age. We say goodbye with heavy hearts, Eugenia [...]. Your sisters, the Ladies in White, will never forget you."
González Arenas highlighted the significance of her dedication: "When someone who has dedicated part of their life to the cause of Cuba's freedom passes away, they deserve respect. When that person is a Lady in White, the honor is even greater."
Eugenia Roque's death follows closely after the passing of another member of the Ladies in White less than a year ago. Mercedes de la Caridad de la Guardia Hernández died on December 7, 2025, in Cárdenas, also in Matanzas, at the age of 59. Leticia Ramos Herrería was among those who announced that loss as well.
Origins and Legacy of the Ladies in White
The Ladies in White emerged in the spring of 2003, when wives, mothers, and daughters of the 75 opposition members imprisoned during the repressive wave known as the Black Spring began attending mass on Sundays dressed in white, marching silently with photos of their imprisoned relatives and carrying flowers.
In 2005, the European Parliament awarded them the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. Despite this international recognition, the Cuban regime has relentlessly continued its repression against the group, with countless detentions, abuses, and surveillance operations aimed at silencing their voices.
In Matanzas, where Eugenia Roque lived, the persecution has been particularly intense. Sayli Navarro, a Lady in White from the Perico municipality, was arrested on July 12, 2021, and sentenced to eight years in prison, with Amnesty International designating her as a prisoner of conscience at the time of this publication.
Increased Repression in Cuba
Eugenia Roque's passing occurs amid heightened repression: The Cuban Observatory for Human Rights (OCDH) documented at least 387 repressive actions by the regime in October 2026, surpassing the 344 actions recorded in September, and bringing the annual total to 3,438 actions.
"To this heroine, we extend our heartfelt gratitude from all Cubans who aspire to see our country liberated from the horrors of communism," wrote González Arenas in his announcement of her death.
Understanding the Impact and History of the Ladies in White
Who was Eugenia Roque Malpica?
Eugenia Roque Malpica was a dedicated member of the Ladies in White, a movement known for its silent protests against the Cuban regime. She was committed to advocating for the freedom of political prisoners in Cuba.
What are the Ladies in White known for?
The Ladies in White are known for their peaceful protests, attending mass dressed in white, and marching silently with photos of their imprisoned family members. They emerged in response to the Black Spring crackdown in 2003.
What recognition did the Ladies in White receive?
In 2005, the Ladies in White were awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought by the European Parliament, acknowledging their peaceful activism and dedication to human rights in Cuba.