Feminists confirm new femicide in Cuba, bringing yearly total to 29

The independent feminist platform Alas Tensas has confirmed a new femicide in Cuba, marking the 29th such case this year. The victim, identified as 23-year-old Rosaidis Donatien, was reportedly killed by her husband on June 8 in Palma Soriano, Santiago de Cuba province.

According to the NGO's social media posts, the crime occurred at Donatien's home. Her husband, the alleged aggressor, is currently hospitalized in serious condition after inflicting self-harm. Alas Tensas emphasized that the current humanitarian crisis in Cuba has led to a significant increase in general violence, particularly against women and girls.

In an April report on gender violence in 2025, Alas Tensas had already raised concerns about how the crisis contributes to the increased vulnerability of women and girls. The platform has also warned about the "persistence of extreme violence" in Cuba, especially within relationships and ex-partner contexts, where femicides with "high levels of brutality" continue to occur.

Alas Tensas's analysis from April indicated that in 93.8% of verified cases, the aggressor was someone known to the victim, underscoring the risk predominantly stemming from close relationships. The platform advocates for the establishment of a national network of shelters and public protocols.

Currently, Alas Tensas is investigating 12 potential femicides, five attempted femicides, and one gender-motivated male murder reported in 2025. For 2026, they have alerted to nine potential femicides and two attempts. Data compiled by EFE from feminist NGOs indicates at least 46 femicides occurred in Cuba in 2025. The state-run National Organization of Collective Law Firms confirmed that Cuban courts identified 76 women murdered by partners, ex-partners, or others in trials during 2024.