The cast of CW’s Riverdale is showing their support for series creator, Roberto Aguierre-Sacasa whose father, Francisco, disappeared from his own home in Nicaragua earlier this year.
Roberto had been searching for him for months and recently found out the 77-year-old, who’d been speaking out against the country’s President Daniel Ortega and his regime, had been arrested on July 27 and sentenced for treason and conspiracy along with dozens of others.
Actors Cole Sprouse, KJ Apa, Camila Menedes and Lili Reinhart are among those asking fans to amplify Francisco’s story with the hashtag “#FreeFrancisco” but also sign a petition demanding the release of political prisoners in Nicaragua.
“Over the years, all of us who have been part of making this show has become a family,” actor K.J. Apa who portrays Archie Andrews on the hit series begins.
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“And right now, someone from our family needs your help,” says fellow actor Casey Cott before Lili Reinhart explains that “Roberto’s father and a dozen other activists were kidnapped and arrested.”
“No one knows where they’re being held, if they’re being given food, water or medicine,” she adds.
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Actress Camila Mendes then urges fans to help raise awareness about the situation:
“We’re imploring you to use your voices to put pressure on the global community and rectify this miscarriage of justice, not just for Francisco, but for any political leaders who put their lives on the line to make this world a better place.”
After seeing the cast’s video, Roberto shared his overwhelming gratitude on social media:
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“RIVERDALE for Nicaragua and Francisco! I am blown away by the love and support from my Riverdale family, the best cast and crew on the planet. This video means everything to me, my mom, my brother, and mu sister. Getting the word out about what’s been happening in Nicaragua to my dad and so many others fighting for freedom and democracy is vital and may be life-saving.”
Roberto urges us all to raise our voices “in opposition to the outrageous violation of human rights being perpetrated against many innocent Nicaraguans. My heart goes out to all the families who have had their loved ones incarcerated unjustly by the Ortega regime.”
Watch the cast’s full video message below:
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