Hon. Julie Miville-Dechêne: Honourable senators, I rise briefly in support of the motion to grant honorary Canadian citizenship to Vladimir Kara-Murza.

This is, of course, a symbolic gesture. As a pragmatist and former journalist, I cannot help but question these types of initiatives, which often have no real effect. I therefore thought about what this motions means and what significance my support for it would have.

I see two answers.

The first is a desire to publicize Vladimir Kara-Murza’s cause, to make him more visible, to make his courage known, to denounce the injustice he is facing, to increase support for him and to make sure, as much as possible, that he is not forgotten and that his torturers are held to account. Vladimir Kara-Murza has dual Russian-British citizenship. Perhaps our voice will inspire other parliamentarians in London.

As the Washington Post's slogan says, “Democracy dies in darkness.”

Unfortunately, it is already very dark in Russia. This motion is a modest, but legitimate, attempt to bring some light to the darkness and highlight, if only in the history books, that the struggle of this political figure, who is first and foremost a journalist, is just.

The other value of this motion is less about Vladimir Kara-Murza and more about us. The story of his resistance to intimidation, his unfailing courage in the face of those who sought to silence him, his boundless determination to fight for the truth and the public interest, and his fierce independence in the face of power, economic interests and prevailing propaganda should inspire us all.

It goes without saying that our existence as comfortable legislators, living in a peaceful and safe society, is nothing like that of Vladimir Kara-Murza. Our trials and tribulations pale in comparison to his peril. Nevertheless, we can hope that Vladimir Kara-Murza’s heroism will inspire us. The virtues of courage and determination in any quest for truth should not be reserved for Russian dissidents alone. Here, too, the sirens of power and vested interests can compromise our independence and genuine commitment to the public interest.

The exemplary value of Vladimir Kara-Murza extends beyond Russia. Today’s motion should not only draw the attention of Canadians to his fate, but also serve to remind us that we should make his struggle our own. I would like to conclude by quoting the end of this Russian hero’s plea before a kangaroo court, which sentenced him to 25 years in prison.

[English]

This day will come as inevitably as spring follows even the coldest winter. And then our society will open its eyes and be horrified by what terrible crimes were committed on its behalf. From this realization, from this reflection, the long, difficult but vital path toward the recovery and restoration of Russia, its return to the community of civilized countries, will begin.

Even today, even in the darkness surrounding us, even sitting in this cage, I love my country and believe in our people. I believe that we can walk this path.