Hollywood actor and director Joe Manganiello was the keynote speaker at the Armenian Genocide remembrance event held in the U.S. Congress, organized by the Armenian Assembly of America.

In his speech, Manganiello shared the emotional story of his great-grandmother, a survivor of the Armenian Genocide, Aravot.am reports.

The actor also posted a photo on his social media account holding an issue of the influential publication POLITICO. A full-page message on the cover reads: “Freedom for Armenian hostages held by Azerbaijan.”

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recently published an annual report stating that Armenian Christian prisoners often face brutal treatment, including physical abuse, psychological violence, denial of medical care, and lack of proper nutrition. The report documents religious persecution, such as attempts to erase cross tattoos by burning.