A 23-year-old nurse, Liena de la Caridad Reinoso Ramos, tragically lost her life on November 6 in the La Conchita neighborhood of Pinar del Río city. This brutal act of femicide has sent shockwaves through her community and the entire nation.
The heartbreaking news was recently confirmed by the Alas Tensas Gender Observatory (OGAT) and the platform YoSíTeCreo en Cuba (YSTCC), two independent initiatives dedicated to documenting gender-based violence across the island.
According to verified reports from these feminist platforms, Liena was viciously attacked by her former partner in a public space.
The incident took place during the night in a residential area and was witnessed or immediately known by several local residents.
The details surrounding the crime not only highlight the assailant's brutality but also underscore the vulnerability of Cuban women, who often face such threats without adequate protection, even when the danger is apparent or foreseeable.
Liena suffered multiple stab wounds that resulted in her instantaneous death.
The attack occurred around 11:00 p.m., and according to citizen reports, the perpetrator allegedly returned home calmly after committing the murder.
Suspect's Identity and Concerns of Potential Impunity
Although feminist platforms have yet to officially confirm the attacker's identity, media reports and neighborhood testimonies suggest it is Cristian Darío Díaz Luis, the victim's ex-partner.
Local sources, as reported by journalist Niover Licea, indicate that the alleged perpetrator is the son of a high-ranking officer in the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) and worked as a security guard at the local factory known as "La Conchita."
Witnesses testified that after his arrest, the suspect was escorted to the police station by his father and was not handcuffed, sparking outrage over apparent influence peddling and potential institutional protection.
The situation has raised alarms, as there is concern that the crime might go unpunished or be handled with leniency, in a country lacking a comprehensive Gender Violence Law or transparent judicial protocols for femicide victims.
Remembering Liena: A Beloved Young Nurse
Liena Reinoso was a nurse, respected and cherished by her community. Those who knew her, including neighbors, teachers, and colleagues, describe her as a kind-hearted and respectful young woman.
Her untimely death has left a profound void and has prompted an outpouring of grief, anger, and calls for justice.
Both OGAT and YSTCC have publicly mourned her passing, extended condolences to her family, and reiterated the urgent need for effective public policies to prevent gender-based violence, as well as early warning systems and protection for women at risk.
An Alarming Trend: 40 Femicide Cases This Year
With Liena's case, the number of verified femicides in Cuba has reached 40 by November 11, according to OGAT and YSTCC's joint record.
Additionally, one male has been documented as murdered for gender-related reasons, with 15 attempted femicides and three cases requiring police investigation involving Hilda Puig Peña, Nieves Rosa Castrillo Núñez, and Fredesvinda Zaida Pérez Poey in Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey, Villa Clara, and Sancti Spíritus.
The pattern of lethal violence against women spans the entire country, with no institutional response proportional to the severity of the issue.
Feminist organizations and civil society groups have repeatedly urged the Cuban government to enact specific legislation against gender violence, establish shelters, emergency hotlines, prevention programs, and efficient reporting mechanisms. However, these demands remain unaddressed to this day.
Liena Reinoso's femicide is not an isolated incident. It is part of a relentless cycle of violence that persists in the island, shielded by institutional silence and a lack of political will. Organizations like Alas Tensas and YoSíTeCreo en Cuba demand justice for her and all victims.
Understanding Gender-Based Violence in Cuba
What is being done to combat gender violence in Cuba?
Feminist organizations and civil society groups have been actively advocating for the Cuban government to implement specific laws against gender violence, create shelters, and establish emergency hotlines and prevention programs. However, these calls have yet to be acted upon by the authorities.
What challenges do Cuban women face concerning gender-based violence?
Cuban women often face gender-based violence with little to no institutional support, lacking protective legislation and transparent judicial protocols. This leaves them vulnerable and without adequate resources to address or escape dangerous situations.