I raise the case of Vladimir Kara-Murza. He is a politician and journalist based in Russia and an opponent of Vladimir Putin. He has now been jailed for 25 years simply for speaking out against Putin's regime, pointing out the folly of his war and identifying what is going on in Russia. We are very fortunate in this country. We may have plenty of reasons to disagree with Government, but we have the right to protest and to free speech. We know we can do it without risk of being placed in prison. There are many people in Russia who are opposed to Putin's regime, and Vladimir Kara-Murza, who has a young family, has been imprisoned for 25 years. I ask the Deputy Leader to raise this with the Minister for Foreign Affairs on our behalf, as is being done in democracies around the world, and to express to the Minister our solidarity with Mr. Kara-Murza.

I was not here during the Order of Business yesterday, but I was glad Senator Clonan, on behalf of the Independent Group, disassociated the other members of the group from Senator Keogan's latest xenophobic outburst. It is not acceptable that we see this level of racism in the House anymore. I can only say that if a member of my party tweeted like Senator Keogan did, he or she would lose the whip, action would be taken against him or her and he or she would lose speaking rights, because my party certainly does not tolerate xenophobia or racism.

I remind the House the Senator is not here to defend herself. I accept Senator Byrne's intent to make a political charge, but in defence of Senator Keogan's right as a Member, she is not here to defend herself.

I appreciate that, but I am tired of us not standing up to racism and xenophobia and her comments were totally unacceptable. I made the point that in my party, and I am quite certain in the Deputy Leader's party or any other party, action would be taken against a member for that.

I thank the Senator.

The Independent Group members now need to take action against Senator Keogan.

I thank the Senator.

In every other group the whip would be withdrawn and speaking rights restricted.

The Senator's points are well made.

Senator Byrne should get down off the horse.

Is Senator Craughwell going to condone Senator Keogan's-----

Senator Byrne, your time is up.

-----continued xenophobia and stand with her or stand with the rest of us?

Go raibh maith agat. Senator Carrigy is next.