Dean Esmay links Val Prieto’s coverage of the aftermath of last week’s arrest in Cuba of Czech Supermodel Helena Houdova for photographing the real Cuba.

Houdova, Miss Czech Republic 1999, spoke to journalists today after returning from Cuba.

“The revolution’s watchmen rose up because I was taking pictures of something they do not like,” said the top model, referring to the fact that the Communist regime of Fidel Castro denies the existence of slums on the island.

Houdova went to Cuba to find out whether her Sunflower foundation could assist the local children – orphans, the handicapped or those afflicted with AIDS. She pointed out that it is almost impossible to provide any assistance through official means because the Communist authorities refuse to admit anything in their country does not work.

However, Houdova personally ascertained the pathetic situation in several Cuban hospitals.

Houdova was arrested along with psychologist and fellow model Mariana Kroftova. The two women spent 11 hours in police custody.

The Cuban police confiscated the roll of film that was in the Czech women’s camera. However, Houdova managed to conceal the memory card of her digital camera inside her brassiere.

[she] told journalists today that she will display the pictures she took at an exhibition portraying the island not only as a tourist paradise but also as a land of political oppression.

Maria Kroftova, the partner-in-crime