Helena Houdova's Cuba

For the first 4 1/2 months of the year, the Honorary Cuban of the Year has to be Helena Houdova, the Czech supermodel/human rights activist who was detained by the Cuban police after she and a friend were caught taking photographs in one of Havana's slums. The police confiscated a roll of film that was in Houdova's camera, but she was able smuggle out a memory card holding other photos in her bra.

Those photos have gone on exhibition in the Czech Republic, but until now I have been able to find only this one online.

Clearly, Houdova's talents extend from in front of a camera to behind one, too.

I found the picture on the Web site for the Sunflower Non-Profit Foundation, an organization started by Houdova to provide health care and nutritional support to children so they can pursue their education. To support Houdova's work in Cuba and around the world, donate here.

Cuba, Helena Houdova

UPDATED, 8:50 a.m.

I'm really starting to dig the Czechs, and not just the gorgeous ones.

First, a Czech diplomat gets himself expelled from Cuba for doing the right things. Prague responds by kicking out a Cuban diplomat and preparing a diplomatic offensive for the European Union to take a joint stance on Cuba.

"This does not mean that we will embrace Fidel Castro," said Foreign Minister Cyril Svoboda.

And then I read this from Miami.

(H/T to Val at Babalú.)