Independent gender observatories, Alas Tensas (OGAT) and Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba (YSTCC), confirmed the tragic murder of a 23-year-old mother by her former partner in Jagüey Grande, Matanzas. This incident raises the number of femicides in Cuba for 2026 to 16.
Marina (Marian) Pino Martínez, who was the mother of two young daughters, a four-year-old and an infant, was killed on April 10 at her home in San Bernardo. The attack was perpetrated by her ex-partner, as reported by both organizations, which maintain an independent record of femicide cases on the island. News of the tragic event spread quickly through social media.
This latest act of gender-based violence, the third reported by these observatories in less than 30 hours, has once again shocked and saddened the Cuban community.
The death of Marian, who worked as a child educator, has particularly affected the community of Jagüey Grande, a municipality that has witnessed several femicides in recent years.
Unofficial social media profiles have shared initial information about the case, identifying the assailant as José Luis Piña, who was apprehended a day after the crime. However, these details have not been officially confirmed by the authorities or independent platforms.
Challenges in Addressing Gender Violence in Cuba
OGAT and YSTCC have raised concerns in their statement about a "new trend of revictimization on social media concerning Cuban women trapped in the cycle of gender violence." They emphasized that "escaping this cycle is impossible without specialized assistance and a justice protocol tailored to this specific issue."
The observatories have repeatedly warned about the lack of basic resources in Cuban society to adequately respond to those affected by femicidal violence. There is a noticeable legal and institutional void regarding femicides in Cuba.
The Cuban government's response to the increasing violence against women has been virtually non-existent. The country lacks comprehensive gender violence legislation, and the Penal Code enacted in 2022 does not define femicide as a standalone crime. Additionally, there are no effective shelters or protection protocols for women and girls at risk.
As of April 13, OGAT and YSTCC's combined data indicate 16 confirmed femicides, nine attempted femicides, and one male murder motivated by gender. They are also investigating 11 potential femicides, four attempted femicides, and one male murder for gender-related reasons reported in 2025, as well as six possible femicides flagged in 2026.
Recent Cases Highlight Growing Crisis
Marian Pino's case is part of a troubling increase in such crimes since the beginning of the year. On Sunday, the observatories verified two more femicides: Yarisleidis Saavedra Hernández, aged 26, was murdered by her father in Pinar del Río, and Maylén Fernández Soriano, also 26, was killed by her partner in the presence of her young son in Las Tunas.
Regarding Maylén, the observatories noted that "despite being alive and amid extreme hardship, she was transported to the hospital in an ox cart and died before arriving."
During the first quarter of 2026, 13 femicides were documented: six in January, one in February, and six in March. As a direct result of these crimes, at least seven children have been left without their mothers' care.
The statistics provided by OGAT and YSTCC represent a partial record of the situation, as the Cuban state does not release comprehensive or disaggregated statistics on these crimes.
Understanding the Femicide Crisis in Cuba
What is the current femicide rate in Cuba for 2026?
As of April 13, 2026, there have been 16 confirmed femicides in Cuba.
How are independent observatories tracking femicides in Cuba?
Organizations like OGAT and YSTCC maintain independent records and investigate potential cases, often relying on reports from social media and community sources.
What challenges do Cuban women face in escaping gender violence?
Cuban women struggle with a lack of specialized support, no comprehensive gender violence legislation, and inadequate protection protocols, making it difficult to escape the cycle of violence.